THUMDAR.COM GETS AN OVERHAUL

By Geea

 

 

The buzz around there is Thumdar's site www.thumdar.com has gotten a complete overhaul.  Not only does it have a completely new look there are added new features to the site.

Two years in the making this site will not disappoint any There or VMTV fan.  Since May 2004 Thumdar's site has always been the "go to" site for downloads and information.  Thumdar has enhanced his site with many new features which were designed to add entertainment and more of a community feel to his site.  Some of the new features added include, member blogs, a member menu, forums, games, a library and member pics.  I got a chance to talk with Thumdar and ask him about his new site.

 

Why the new redesign to your website?

About 2 years ago I got fed up with having to manually update my Downloads page and realized it was time to take the site to the next level. The other issue was that vMTV came into being and I wanted to include that world as well. As for building the site, I was eager to work with a content management system that would make it easier to manage and have more options for me as an administrator and for the website users. After much research, I chose Joomla! and have been loving it ever since.

 

What is difference between this website and your old one?

The old site was a “static” site where every page needed to be updated manually. Let’s face it ~ it was old skool. The new site is a truly dynamic database-driven site that allows for easier content manipulation and more modern functionality. Also, the new site has the option for members to become members and create very complex profiles, including adding images, song playlist, videos, etc.

 

What added features to the new site are you most excited about?

I think the most appreciated feature will be the more organized download system and the member profiles. I tried to make it as close to MySpace as possible. The section I personally am most excited about is the new “Library”. This was created for members to contribute their knowledge of the There & vMTV worlds. Members can get Author status and then compose brief articles explaining how to do certain things in world. So, if you know a cool paz drop trick, why not share it with the rest of the community? I really, really hope people will contribute to this. I also hope the forums become active. Oh, and I hope no one beats my PacMan high score.

 

Why did you add them? 

All new features were added to make the site more enjoyable and helpful. Let’s face it, Thumdar.com is known for downloads and that’s kinda techie. So ~ I tried to gear the site that way. The Forums are another way to get help with technical things.

 

What can someone do now on your site that they couldn't before? 

Well a lot! They can become members, add content to the Library, write articles about anything There, Coke CC Metro and vMTV related, create galleries, play games in the arcade (which is ever growing), comment and vote on most content items, setup complex member profiles, add their own website links in the Bookmarks section, send internal email to other members, write in the blog section, write in the forums, use the shoutbox, read the RSS news feeds that are all There, Coke CC Metro and vMTV related and more.

 

How long did it take you to design the new site? 

Not gonna answer that on account that it might incriminate me. Ok, ok.., about 2 years. ‘doh!

 

What are your hopes for the new site? 

I hope that members use the site for more than just downloading patches. The Library is an excellent opportunity for members to contribute their personal knowledge of how to do cool things in world and believe me.., there is an incredible amount of really cool things that can be done. Also, I look forward to eventually having an overall video gallery where members can add their in world There & vMTV videos, but that’s down the road. All-in-all ~ I hope the new Thumdar.com becomes a fun community that will help enhance the experience within There & vMTV.

 

Thank you Thumdar, the Voice wishes you much success with your new site.  If you haven't stop by Thumdar.com what are you waiting for?  Check it out and sign up!  It is an awesome site with loads of downloads and information.  And for those who didn't know this Thumdar is dead sexy.  Ok he made me put that part in ;)

Really check it out, you won't be disappointed!!