A few members heard it was going to cost about $3000 to update our beloved 2old2play. Word got out. And the whole community responded.
What began as an appeal in a blog by our own LBsutke, eventually grew into a community-driven art auction. Artists donated time and talent, the members donated their cash. We are happy to report that due to the generosity of the 2old2play membership, the Art Auction was able to raise $825.60 for 2old2play v3.0. This money should cover about a third of the site redesign cost.
The vision is to create a leaner, meaner version of 2old2play, and to have it up and running during the Chicago LAN. It's an ambitious goal. 2old2play has always been about you, so If you have any ideas about how to make 2old2play even better, tell us.
Here are some initial thoughts from Doodi on what to expect...
Several features will get canned because they're broken or don't get used. Expect a slim-down from the elimination of the Sig Creator, Event Calendar, Downloads, Member Maps, Xbox Live Stats, Wiki, Tournament, and Friends List. Some of these features may be built from the ground-up later or reintegrated into the site more effectively if and when it makes sense.
The photo gallery will be further integrated into the site at some point. However, we will be asking users to download and save their pictures so we can do a complete wipe of the gallery to make the transition easier. We'll notify you in advance when that will take place.
A streamlined system will translate into more access for the user. Our vision is to have "groups" (i.e. clans) that are able to be created, updated, edited by you. For instance, if you wanted to start a group based on Halo then it should go something like this: You apply by adding in all your info. Things like group name, descriptions, mods, and user access all get created by you. Then all you do is hit "submit" and the group is created. We then get a message on whether it should be approved or not. We hit approve and you are good to go. No more PMs or waiting for Doodi to stop playing WoW for 10 minutes. From there you can add or remove your own mods and set up the group how YOU want it.
The Press and Writers Corps would like to express our gratitude to all the contributors and those whose bidding drove the prices up. We would also like to give a resounding "huzzah!" to the artists whose imagination, skill and commitment to a better 2o2p made this idea come to life. Finally to everyone in 2o2p who came together to support the Art Auction and the site in so many ways, Thank You! We can't wait to see what v3 unleashes to make our favorite Internet hang-out even better -- brought to you by you and for you.
From Doodi, "Its hard to even know how to put that into words, but it means a great deal."
