Q: You've signed on to be the digital taskmaster overseeing a few exciting new features and improvements to the NaNoWriMo site in time for our 10th anniversary year. Can you give us a sneak peak on what you're working on?
A: We have lots of wonderful new features coming. Some we're even hoping to launch this summer.
First, we wanted to upgrade our NaNoMail system. So many Wrimos use it to exchange messages during the challenge and off-season, so we're going to make it more robust and easy to use. You'll be able to sort and see that you've responded to a message. Plus, new messages will be clearer.
Second, we're going to create a “communication preferences” module. This means that you'll be able to manage your subscriptions to the emails and notifications you get from the site: pep talks, ML blasts, items like Breaking News, and any forums or threads you're following in one easy to understand place. You'll never get another email you don't want.
Third, we're going to zazz up the profile pages. Not only will the editing of the pages become easier, we're adding some much-requested items like the ability to add book cover artwork and some fun new stats. On top of that, we're going to make updating your word count simpler.
Fourth, the Regional Forums will become even more friendly, with something akin to a town square at the top where you can access the events calendar, meet your Municipal Liaisons, and see the regional stats. (If your region doesn't have a Municipal Liaison, now is a great time to consider signing up to host your local NaNoWriMo challenge.)
There are lots of other things in store, but these are a few we were just too jazzed to keep to ourselves. You'll notice some small tinkering on the site this summer as we eliminate some persistent bugs and update our blog.