State Of The Site 2005
It's been a very busy 2005, so I figured I would catch up on updating what has already been done and what to look forward to for the rest of the year. I'd like to also apologize for the lack of updates and new data on the homepage. We have a lot in store for 2006 and working to get systems in place to promote a constantly growing and expanding document library.
Here's a list of major site changes which are underway:
SEBR Orders
- This year Bushmaster and AR15.Com are joining forces to bring you an amazing deal on an AR15 rifle. The Special Edition Black Rifle orders have begun and rifle production will start shortly with our goal to ship everyone their rifles before year end. Don't miss out, order yours now! (The SEBR project is limited in quantity and we will not take orders after the deadline!)
SEAK Project Being Finalized
- Along with the SEBR, we're working with our friends at Ohio Rapid Fire and In Range to bring you another Special Edition AK! This project is still being finalized and will be announced when we're ready to begin taking orders. Again, this will be a project worth looking at and not missing!
Team Member Giveaway
- We've arranged to give away thousands in prizes to our team members as thanks for their continued support. The giveaway will take place at the end of this month and hopefully will bring joy to a few people's lives. Our thanks to all those who have given so much of themselves to making the site what it is and the best of luck to everyone.
Online Store Update
- One of the major issues today is the total lack of integration between our online store and our member services. This leads to problems with purchased upgrades taking a few days to be manually done. The new store will not suffer these issues as it will be tied directly into the site and when an account is upgraded, it will take place instantly and automatically.
Mail Services
- Our team members have patiently been awaiting the switch to our new mail service. The new server has been in place and tested. We have new anti-virus scanning on the server which is automatically updated daily to ensure up to the minute protection. As well, we are using a number of anti-spam blockers and will work to ensure that we keep your mail accounts clear of spam. Users will also be offered the ability to choose from an AR15.Com mail address, AK47.Net mail address, or both! This will be managed from your profile.
Media Server
- Ever since we updated our photo hosting server, it's been a nightmare from both the use and management aspects. We're working on a custom integrated solution which will no longer simply manage your photos, but will allow each individual to upload audio, video, and assorted other files for storage and sharing. You'll simply be assigned disk space to store the files you want (with limits to individual file sizes) and allowed to decide what to store and where. (Existing limitations and guidelines will continue.)
Site Software Updates
- As most have noticed, we made a major upgrade to the site layout and navigation earlier this year. It's actually simply a taste of things to come, as time did not allow us to flush out the new systems exactly how we wanted. We're currently underway to create a new site for launch in 2006, which will include much of this versions interface, but will allow for more powerful skinning options, a little cleaner interface, and a lot more power for customizability for each user.
Admin Upgrades
- Tools have been going in as time has permitted to allow the site staff to more quickly aid and assist users with account issues. We will continue to upgrade these systems to ensure the more flexibility and availability of our staff to help correct any problem with your account.
More additions than I can think of!
- In addition to these major changes, there's a lot more of what you've come to expect around the corner. We have plans of adding things like pro-gun blogs, ignore and watched user lists, and much much more!
Network & System Status
- Our network performance has been phenomenal and worth the pains we all endured last year. All our servers are running great and there's been very little service interruption. Overall I'd say the hard work has been paying off and it wont stop there!
As you can see, we've been very busy with all sorts of projects aimed at making your AR15.Com/AK47.Net experience unique! Please give thanks to all of this by supporting our sponsors and advertisers. Remember that each time you purchase from them you strengthen the community and help ensure the site's future!
Thanks for all your hard work, Goatster! This site absolutely rules!!

Beers are on me next time we meet.

How about a state-of-the-art Trader Rating/Feedback system?

Thanks Alot Goatboy

Originally Posted By Thekatar: How about a state-of-the-art Trader Rating/Feedback system?

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Coming... in two different systems... we haven't exactly figured out all the minor details, but coming!

Originally Posted By GoatBoy:
Originally Posted By Thekatar: How about a state-of-the-art Trader Rating/Feedback system?

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Coming... in two different systems... we haven't exactly figured out all the minor details, but coming! 
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Fantastic - great job!
You da man Goatboy!
Keep up the good work. Despite petty complaints this is still the best site and it's getting better all the time.
I love what you've done and I'm looking forward to the things to come! Keep up the great work!
One minor item of note....
Since we've been at the top of the hitsunlimited ranking system for a year now, we decided to drop the thing. Since we joined the site was never able to handle the added trafic, which led to broken images for us and others and the stats were lost and innacurate because of that. In the end AR15.Com started and stayed at #1 for a full year's time, and AK47.Net grew to be consistently #6/#7 which is quite impressive.
We may look at another ranking site to see how we do with other sites in the future.

Nice job.

Thanks!

Good Job and thanks!

my air conditioner is still broke...


Everything is awesome GB.
Originally Posted By GoatBoy:
Originally Posted By Thekatar: How about a state-of-the-art Trader Rating/Feedback system?

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Coming... in two different systems... we haven't exactly figured out all the minor details, but coming! 
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YES!!!

Thanx for all of your hard work GB, it is greatly appreciated.
I know this is months down the road from when you posted this piece, but I have been thinking about something and thought I'd pass it along. How about a "Favorite Forums" link, kind of like the "Active Topics" link? Since there are some forums in different categories that I like to look into, it would make navigation more simple.
Not a deal-breaker, but wouldn't it be nice?
Really liked the upgrade earlier this year, and looking forward to the 2006 version.
Thank you and Keep up the great work!!!!!!