What’s Happening at SearchWarp?
Posted: Sunday, December 06, 2009
by Bruce Horst
WryteStuff
Just some brief, scattered thoughts to unload my mind and solicit feedback.
I'll start by saying that we haven't been successful at all that we've set out to do. That's ok, it's better to try and fail than to not try at all. I have failed more times than just about anyone I know, and I'm not ashamed of that fact at all!
Over the next few months there are a few things I'll be working on. Some of them I haven't thought of yet. Here's what I've been thinking about so far:
Audio Articles. We're still playing with the WarpTalk idea. While doing so I came across a function that would allow anyone with a computer that has Flash installed, and a microphone, to record to a web server. I think it would be cool to allow writers the ability to seamlessly record themselves reading their articles, making the audio available to anyone who would like to listen to the article read by the person who wrote it. Articles will also be available as podcasts, expanding the distribution. I've hired a programmer to build this feature, but so far he's behind schedule. If he comes through, it should be available soon. Otherwise I'll have to hire someone else.
iPhone App for Reading SearchWarp Articles. Everyone's got an iPhone app. I want one too. Then we'll add an Android app. Again, this will expand distribution.
Universal eReader Format. Someone very special in my life is getting an eReader for Christmas (Shhhhh, don't tell her.) The universal format for eReaders (like the Nook, Kindle, and the Sony eReader) appears to be PDF, so I want to add the ability for people with eReaders to pick a SearchWarp author and download articles from that author to their eReaders in PDF format. It's the wave of the future, at least until practical eTablets are available. Hopefully this will expand article distribution.
Updated Author Bio Page. I've been playing with the idea. The current author bio page is lacking basic functionality but I have not yet found the right formula for it. Ideas welcomed.
Multi-Page Articles. We've had some requests for this feature from writers who want to submit short stories. I think it's a great idea, but it's not as easy to implement as one might think. I am working on it, though.
Hall of Halls of Fame. There are many halls of fame on SearchWarp, so I'm working on a method to keep them organized and easily accessible. Same with the Most Recent lists.
Community Book Project. I'm convinced this is a great idea, and has been for years. I'm not sure what it's going to take to get it off the ground. It would be great to have a book written by SearchWarp members available to give out during Christmas. It is again too late for this coming Christmas.
Google AdSense Revenue Sharing. In my mind this is the most important feature that we can add to SearchWarp. It will provide the most viable method for us to enable writers to earn an income from their writings. The big hurdle is that Google requires a web site to have 3 million page views per month to participate, and currently we only have 2.3 million (up from 1.7 million a year ago.) Most of the new features we've added over the past year were added to try to increase page views. If you want to see where we are on the goal, here is the report to look at. Suggestions on how to get to the 3 million mark are welcome.
There you have it. This is what I'll be working on through the new year. Let me know what you think.
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More commentsTHIS ARTICLE JUST PROVES AGAIN BRUCE, THAT YOU ARE ALWAYS STRIVING TO REACH THE CUTTING EDGE .... OF EVERYTHING IN LIFE. I'M SUCH A PHILOSOPHER- MY VIEWPOINT IS ALWAYS OBJECTIVE- WELL ALMOST ALWAYS. SOMETIMES I DO COME DOWN AND LOOK AT THE TREES IN THE FOREST. WHAT I SEE IN YOU FROM READING WHAT YOU WRITE, IS THAT YOU ARE THE QUNTESSENTIAL GOOD MAN. I FEEL HONORED TO BE UNDER YOUR GUIDENCE.I didn't mean for this article to be anonymous- I'm such a klutz on this computer sometimes. My suggestion for improving SW readership is this: Less constriction on FREEDOM OF SPEECH. Americans, especially, are extremely protective of this right- as well we should be- lets not forget that many, many people died protecting that right- shall it have been for naught? Thanks for listening- Ella
Great article. Well done.All these features sound great. I would suggest that you could also have an app for submitting articles - like the SW control pannel on your IPhone.
Bruce, I look forward to all the changes you mentioned above, though some are a little over my head also. I can't wait to see what develops over the coming year.
Bruce, I'm pretty new to SearchWarp but in comparing you to other ezines, you're one of the best. I'm also one of those techie-challenged individuals who may not be able to implement some of these developments. However, I applaud your desire to make SearchWarp more far-reaching and powerful in influencing a readership across the Net. With the economy as it is, I can't afford to pay ezines for premium service. However, I see my articles on Google and must express my deep appreciation that you are willing to take a non-paying member and publicize his or her articles. Thanks so much.
Hi Bruce,All of your visions sound great. I love SearchWarp as it is but am tech chalalenged also. Nonetheless, give me a little time and I will figure it out or email the SearchWarp team. I know Mark had a couple of ideas but he is the one to talk to.Blessings,Michelle
New to SW. So far, I am enjoying the interactive nature of the site. I am interested to see how the site improves in the coming year.
Thanks for all the tips. I think that I will always be behind in the features that you offer on this site, but I consider it to be a challenge to learn a little more every time. Excellent job. Merry Christmas.
Sorry it has not gone as planned. How is it different to your plan, and can its authors help you to accomplish your dream, if we knew what that was? Great article.Well done for creating a unique and successful site.The future technology scares me away. But yet I would love to be able to read my own poetry, as only I understand what emotion to put into it and where, how to make to the rhyme work, what intonation to use. It may also make poetry more accessible and enjoyable to those many who do not ever read it and who find it boring.
Cool ideas! But add a pocket PC/symbian app to your Iphone app. Not everybody is that rich!
Thanks, for informative article.
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