Let me say that I'm new to the site, and only a registered user, so I haven't tasted all the goodies yet. That said, I think I have an interesting opinion on how to improve the site from the perspective of a new user who may consider registering.
I've also come from other sites, like broadbandreports.com (aka dslreports.com), which have excellent social networking features. In other words, users can easily interact, improving their overall online experience.
So what I think would be hugely valuable here is some way to quickly and easily track your "friends" on the site. I know this has been suggested before, but I don't think it was properly argued.
The obvious counter is to use "favorite photographers". But that isn't quite the same:
- This is different because friends are people who I want to track and see what they post in forums and challenges and/or portfolios. I want to interact with them. Favorite photographers are those who I really respect their artistic work, but don't really know personally or talk to.
- Favorite photographers doesn't give enough information cleanly, concisely, and quickly.
I suggest a new page that will give me, at a glance, information about my friends' activities on the site, where I can easily follow their conversations and submissions. Basically a summary of their profile page, without having to go to each persons profile page. And maybe sorted by "most recently logged in". Perhaps "My Freinds" under the "My Home" menu.
As a new user, I sometimes feel a bit overwhelmed, like if I don't bookmark a user's profile, I may never find them again. I think this would greatly increase the value of the site, especially to new users.
Here's a mockup; just a general idea of what I mean. Give it a look - click to see it full size. =)
Cheers,
-Jeff
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