Streamline the site / Reduce Features

It might be good to remove some of the unused or little used features but most of us are patient enough and we don't mind some little distracting flaws in things. Indeed, some of us are rather use to distractions and deal with a lot more important ones in our daily lives.

I really like a lot of the new features. I like being able to plug in video and audio files, I like being able to plug my stuff in other Web sites, and I like being able to customize my profile page. But I understand where people are coming from. When you load up on to many features, the pages can get very cluttered in a hurry. While I wouldn't support a big roll back of features, I would (and do) support a tightening up of the existing features so that stuff works right. I cringe reading Ridge's reviews of the problems that he's having with basic site functions at the moment.

I will agree with some of the prior posts that the site's identity going forward needs to be established. Do we want to go back to it's prior emphasis as a ratings site which was more consumer driven, or do we want to establish the site as more of an online community, kind of like MySpace or Facebook. I believe that neither side needs to be compromised. We have to admit, the site from early on has always had an on-line community element to it. Indeed, the idea of leaving ratings on certain products and ideas lends itself to such a concept. It's always been a place where we could exchange ideas, either by private message or public posts. I think the key issue here is whether the site should become more like MySpace, with picture features and music sections. I don't know if that has ever been the aim of the site. RIA is a social network, but not in the sense that MySpace is. That site is more about community and staying in touch with friends. RIA is about exchanging ideas with ... Read more

I think the site has gotten too busy and could use some cutback or at least retrenchment.

Without any hesitation, I will concur with the prior comments regarding the whirlwind of recent changes to this site. Not that change is bad by definition, but it would be nice to digest these new features at a more manageable pace. I would think that RIA management would want some better control groups to fix bugs and determine what new features are working and which do not add any real value. I've stated several times elsewhere that this site is becoming less professional and sometimes less functional with all the new bells and whistles. Some new features certainly have the potential for great effect (e.g. reasonable embeds in item descriptions), but there is now also increased clutter and often an assault on the senses. Some degree of clean uniformity has value as well, meaning that oftentimes less is more. The bottom line is three stars since the new changes are definitely hit or miss.

My biggest wish is that RIA would be streamlined for simplicity and ease of use. More bells and whistles means more "bugs" and kinks. Although some of the "improvements" are good,I was perfectly happy with it as it was when I first logged on.Truthfully,it is less "user-friendly" since the last overhaul.

Personally, I don't mind the changes too much, but I do agree with VirileVagabnd, a little time to get used to some of the changes might help. I have used the video and photo embeds, and I like them, but like anything else, moderation is the key. One thing I definately don't like is this little review box. Way too small, and it's to easy to miss a mistake. I prefer the larger format. I haven't been on too much lately, so maybe I'm missing something.

Looks like RIA's experiencing some "growing pains". While RIA certainly had to find a way to re-vamp itself to "keep up with the times", I find the extra bells & whistles to be a little more distracting than enriching. (For us Simpsons fans, it's reminiscent of when Homer made his homepage that consisted entirely of animated .gif images "borrowed" from all over the web, accompanied by a barrage of annoying noises). I think what it all boils down to is identity: What direction does RIA want to take? Does it want to focus more on the "ratings" aspect of it, or the "online community" aspect? The majority of site old-timers, like myself, would like ratings to be the focus again. But, I do understand how the new additions are a big draw for new reviewers, and some of the changes do work very well with the ratings aspect of RIA (such as embedded video & sound for list items). Looking at it now, I think part of the "fluff" that could be trimmed (in my opinion) would be the "reviewer... Read more