Hello OSB'ers.  As you can probably see there's been some changes here.  There are a number of reasons for this and I hope to cover them all here and point out some of the new site features as well.  The overall goal here was to create a site that is functional, un-cluttered and very user friendly at the same time, as well as looking good too.  With the development and release of all the latest mobile web browsing devices changing the site structure to be somewhat viewable on these devices was one of the reasons.  

Unfortunately the forums needed to be updated as well and I was unable to merge the old forum data into the new ones.  (*Note, not without spending hours of trying)  So we must start our forum posts all over again.  Aside from a lot of informative posts and threads on the old forums, this is also a way to "start fresh" with a whole new base of information.  If anyone would like to copy any info posted in the old forums over to the new ones I encourage you to do so.  I have created a link to the old forums for reference purposes if anyone needs to revert back to any info posted there.  They will remain viewable but you will only be able to post threads in the new forum now.  I will probably keep them up and viewable for quite some time until they are not needed anymore.  

You must re-register as a user here.  You can re-use your old username if you like (which I encourage you to do so, so we know who you are) or now is your chance to change your username to something else.  The new registration process is very simple and takes no time at all.  Simply click the Register link to the right in the "User Info" area.

There are a number of new features that were not previously available on the old site.  Here are a few examples: 

Simple Navigation: Simple and user friendly was my overall goal in re-creating Okanagan Sport Bikes.  I think the new site is a lot less cluttered and easier and faster to navigate than ever before.  Editing your profile and adding or changing your avatar is fast and easy!  You also have multiple login options.  You can login now with your username or your email address in case you forgot your username.

New Forum System: An all in all better organized forum system which is faster and more efficient..

Thread preview in the forums: Hover your mouse over any topic in the forums for a quick preview of what the first post is about without having to click on it to read the post.

Favorite Topics: The ability to add certain threads in the forums into your own favorites.  Click the my topics tab at the top of the forums to view all your posted threads and your favorite topics in one place.  Also 1 click thread subscribe button.

Karma and Thank You's: You can give any user positive or negative "Karma" depending on their "likeability" around the community.  "Please do not abuse this feature in giving out positive or negative Karma to users for no reason".  You can also give out a courteous "Thank You" to a user for any help or useful info they may have provided for you in the forum, simply by clicking the "Thank You" button underneath their post.

Connections: You are able to create what we call "Connections" with other users on the site that allow you to have a friends list which is located under your profile that allows you to email or pm them directly from there without have to search them out.

Photos: Anyone can attach photos in a forum post very easily with the attachments button.  Also a very simple photo gallery which you can add your own photos with a click of the upload button.  Photos appear in your gallery instantly with no more waiting for admin approval.  I trust that the content uploaded by our respectable users will remain appropriate for this to remain in effect.  Easier to navigate and very simple photo gallery layout.

Classifieds: I have decided to implement a Classifieds section on the site rather than include them into the forums in hopes for a better looking and organized site.  The key here was "simplicity".  The new classified section couldn't be any easier to use and navigate.  Adding an ad or viewing the posted ads is very simple.  Just like the Photo Gallery, there is no waiting for admin approval on your posted ads.  As soon as you submit your ad it is viewable by everyone.  Try it out for yourself and see.

Event Calendar: As always feel free to post any events going on you would like to share with everyone here.  Adding an event to the calendar is simple and fast.  Try it out!

Donations: Anyone who would like can also make a donation towards the site, simply by entering the amount you would like to donate in the donations box (bottom right of the page) and donating with your credit card or via your paypal account.  Thank you to those who donate, this site's future depends on it.

I've tried to maintain the standard features always included on OSB that are useful for everyone and as easy as possible to use.  That's a few of the new features that are now available, and as I can think of more I may add some more information here or in the forums to keep you all updated.  I'm sure with any new setup we may encounter problems and discover bugs with the site, but eventually we'll get it all ironed out in the end.  I hope you all enjoy the new site and find it as easy and fun to use as I do.  Feel free to contact me via the Contact link or in the forums about any questions or problems you may have.

I'm sure there will be those who don't like the new site and those that really do.  I certainly hope you all like the new design and layout.  Please provide me with your feedback in the site suggestions forum if you have any to offer.  I really have to get some sleep now.

Peace, Graham

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