When I go into the forum (StreamTeam message board), I see we are still showing a link in a right-margin column saying "Updates and Upgrades to the AW Web Site". When that is clicked, it goes to an article "posted July 19, 2007 by Ben Van Camp".

Isn't that rather 'old news' to still be featuring in this way under a heading of "Associated News"?

Rob Smage
AW member since 1992, volunteer since 2000, Midwest Regional StreamTeam Editor

I have not noticed that news article in ages. News articles can have different expiration dates and this one is set to expire in 2050, meaning it is set to be essentially permanent. That can be changed easily enough, but I am hesitant to do it after reading the article. It contains some interesting reasons and motivations for the changes. One thing in particular that struck me was the intended uses of the river networking tool. Seems like that is something we should discuss more and take better advantage of.

However, I have set this article to expire in 3 months, so anybody who wants it to go or stay can speak up.

Well, I will confess that I didn't proceed to read the article. Once I saw that this 'news' about the 'Updates and Upgrades to the AW Web Site' was about the changes from 2.5 years ago (not about the massive changes that went in within the last 6 months or so), I didn't bother to check what relevance it may still have. Just seems like if the updates and upgrades which were done 2.5 years ago were significant enough to merit such a news story, the updates and upgrades which were done 6 months ago should also merit a prominently linked news story.

Rob Smage
AW member since 1992, volunteer since 2000, Midwest Regional StreamTeam Editor

I do agree it is cool to see where some of the ideas, and just as interestingly some of the funding for implementing them, has come from. And, just as you have stated, there certainly could be considerable merit in periodically reviewing some of these things (like the Networking tool) to remind people of the intent, to try to ensure these items come closer to realizing more of their original intended purpose. Otherwise, we have added clutter and complexity to the website (a frequent complaint from those who may not understand the motivation and intent behind some of these ideas) without realizing any substantial, demonstrable, tangible benefit.

Rob Smage
AW member since 1992, volunteer since 2000, Midwest Regional StreamTeam Editor

Yeah, that thing needs to go.

Ryan