Rending the Veil News – August 2010

There are minor changes in progress on the site, and I’m asking as well (again) for volunteers to lend a hand in a few things, which I’ll describe below. If you’re interested in donating a little time and effort, it could go a long way toward getting things in order and helping us move on to better things for the future rather than Sheta spinning her wheels trying to catch up… endlessly. I’m going to take the plunge and write this post like a human being, so if you’re expecting spit and polish, forget it. Ha. First, the changes:

• Tags updated: I’ve removed any tags that were duplicates of the categories. Categories are listed in the top navigation bar. Tags are in a cloud in the sidebar. This makes it easier to find content by our contributors. Click on a person’s name to see the content currently available.
  
• Issues reduced: Due to burnout (mine; not sure about yours), we’ve reduced the number of issues per year to 4 (from eight). If all goes well, we’ll bring that number up again when things are running more smoothly. If things go badly, we may yet fold altogether due to lack of interest (yours; I’m still interested, even if I find it challenging doing all the site upkeep alone). Since comments on content are few and far between, and not many people log in as a general rule, we have little by which to gauge the collective interest. If you are interested, the best thing you can do is to comment on things you enjoy — or on things that you take issue with. Whatever. We’re not picky.
  
• I’m sure there was something else, but damn if I can remember what it was. Is anyone even reading this? I’m reminded of Bob Uecker in Major League when he curses inappropriately on the air and nobody notices. I sure would like to see us win the pennant. So to speak.
  

Okay, now for the begging part, or something. (I don’t have to sound professional, damn it. I’m just one person here.) While I love dearly our contributors and my co-admins Gerald, Caliedo, and Sarenth, I do everything on the site, except submit the actual content, by myself. As you can imagine, this is lonely work. (Gerald is Class A inspiration, though, I have to say.) I used to have editors who helped me edit the submissions, but most of them had to be rechecked and those who were actually good at it have moved on to other things. So.

Among the tasks I have yet to complete is the restoration of the archives. I have truly dropped the ball on this. I do have a volunteer to help out with this task; however, there are other areas in which I could use help to free up more time to actually work on said archives, areas that demand attention and contribute to my general burnout. If I had help, I might actually want to do more. You know how that works from your own experience, right?

We have forums. Yes, we do. They are the veritable Dead Zone™, and in fact there is still a bit of “news” in the sidebar from December 2009 telling people about the “new” forums. They still qualify as new because no one uses them — at least that’s been my logic. All those magicians out there who need places to flame each other — why not do it here? We’re ripe for the, er, ripening. This is an area in which help would be profoundly appreciated. Obviously, we need people to post in them. We also need people to keep an eye on them and ensure that the posts get replies. We need moderators. We need people to make them interesting. And so forth.

We need more content, and as long as the article isn’t all “I know the One True Way” and is decently written, we’re game. Assuming it’s on topic, of course. Ditto for art, photos, etc. If it doesn’t suck, send it in. We’re not scary. Surely you can tell by this post that we’re not scary.

You know, about a year ago I added amusing little alt tags to the categories and sub-categories in the top navigation bar, and not one person has ever mentioned them to me. I deliberately told no one to see if they’d be noticed. I was looking forward to a smile when someone found them funny. All of you, go read them right now. *stomps feet* I’m sick of being sly.

It’s funny. Now that I’m writing this post, I am having trouble coming up with specific things to ask for help with. I’ve got a whole list on the Volunteer page. It’s been so long since I looked at it that I can’t remember what’s there. But what I really need more help with than anything is ideas and enthusiasm. If you’ve got any to spare, drop me an email or, better yet, leave a comment. I think I spotted a tumbleweed a minute ago. The wind has that ghost-town-whistle sound to it. Our egregore is dying of starvation. We need an injection of new blood, and I’m flexible. Give me your ideas, and I’m sure we’ll find something to toast to down at the saloon. Or maybe we’ll just hang up our spurs and call it good at four years. We’ll remember you fondly, RTV. What was your name again?

— Sheta