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Several changes recently around the site, which you may have noticed already, but I wanted to fill everyone in.
Advertising
For about three weeks testing with ads has been going on to determine cost-benefit of running them. I think the current set up hits the goal with the least impact. Registered users are displayed one ad, and non-registered users will see an additional banner. Anyone who's donated won't see any of these. I'm also thinking of ways to have users who contribute regularly to have none displayed. I think the placement is as unobtrusive as possible; if you're using an ad blocker, please consider white-listing pointsixtyfive.com to help out.
CDN
For the past week or so, we've been using a CDN. In a couple of tests, this has sped up site loading times by between 40%-60%. I've also spent some time trying to optimize a few other site assets, so hopefully you've noticed things being snappier.
There shouldn't be any changes to site functionality goes, so if you notice weird things happening, be sure to post.
Locality Map
I removed this page as the API behind it is being discontinued by Google. I've been searching for a replacement, but so far no luck. If anyone knows of a suitable option, please let me know.
Facility Wiki Pages
Starting to build this section, with the goal of replacing the facility resource pages. I'm leaving it viewable, but it is far from complete. Dealing with some design challenges at the moment, so it's a work in progress. If anyone wants to help with this section, feel free message me.
There have been several additions to the housing provider listings here the last couple weeks, which was good timing with the upheaval in the academy housing world with IB ending the business of catering to FAA students. Check out the resources section if you will be attending MMAC and need some ideas on where to stay.
I think that's about it for now. G'day.
Advertising
For about three weeks testing with ads has been going on to determine cost-benefit of running them. I think the current set up hits the goal with the least impact. Registered users are displayed one ad, and non-registered users will see an additional banner. Anyone who's donated won't see any of these. I'm also thinking of ways to have users who contribute regularly to have none displayed. I think the placement is as unobtrusive as possible; if you're using an ad blocker, please consider white-listing pointsixtyfive.com to help out.
CDN
For the past week or so, we've been using a CDN. In a couple of tests, this has sped up site loading times by between 40%-60%. I've also spent some time trying to optimize a few other site assets, so hopefully you've noticed things being snappier.
There shouldn't be any changes to site functionality goes, so if you notice weird things happening, be sure to post.
Locality Map
I removed this page as the API behind it is being discontinued by Google. I've been searching for a replacement, but so far no luck. If anyone knows of a suitable option, please let me know.
Facility Wiki Pages
Starting to build this section, with the goal of replacing the facility resource pages. I'm leaving it viewable, but it is far from complete. Dealing with some design challenges at the moment, so it's a work in progress. If anyone wants to help with this section, feel free message me.
There have been several additions to the housing provider listings here the last couple weeks, which was good timing with the upheaval in the academy housing world with IB ending the business of catering to FAA students. Check out the resources section if you will be attending MMAC and need some ideas on where to stay.
I think that's about it for now. G'day.
