Change you can believe in!
No, no… this is not going to be about the current Presidential campaign in the United States! Yes, I know, one (sometimes both) of the candidates is always touting change. I have chosen not to comment on where I stand on the campaign, though. I did make some indications a few months ago that I might be supporting one of the candidates, but to be honest, I have hopped the fence several times now, and it is a topic that really is not related to what this site is about, so I have decided to stay away from the topic. I guess the title of this column, though, was just sort of a teaser, although it is really the right title for what I am going to focus on today.
Yes, change is coming. It is coming to the Live in the Philippines Web Magazine! Very soon, you will see an entirely new layout here, and some changes in the way that the site works. It has been a little more than a year since we have taken the look that we have right now, so it is time for a little shake up. In addition, we have a lot more contributors to the site now, so the new site layout will help feature the writers in a more even way than the current site. Right now, when you go to the homepage of the site, it is Feyma and I featured up on the top all the time. Under the new layout, each one of the authors will have his latest post featured up on the top of the site, and will rotate with other recent entries. This will give more exposure to writers that are newer to the site (new authors go to the bottom of the page now, with more experienced authors at the top). I think this will make for a nice addition to the site.
Because of the major renovation, I am having to make some changes in the way that the site structure will be, so URL’s may be slightly different than they are now. I am hoping to have the new site up and online no later than Monday (October 13, 2008) (Philippine time), so if you find that you cannot access the site in the way you normally do on Monday, just go directly to the Homepage (www.LiveInThePhilippines.com) and you should find everything working there. Of course, there may be some downtime over the weekend as I make changes, but I think that I can keep that to a bare minimum.
I hope that you will all like the new layout and find it user friendly. I have shown the new layout to a few people, and so far all of the feedback I have gotten has been extremely positive, so I think that there will be overwelming support for it! If you see something you don’t like, be sure to let me know, and I’ll consider possible changes.
Thank you to all the readers of this site for your regular support. I always appreciate hearing from you, and getting your feedback. It’s like having a big family or group of friends online, and I enjoy that!
Yes, there will be change on LiP, and it’s coming soon! That, friends, is something you indeed can believe in! This is not just a slogan, but something I intend to deliver!
Gee Bob - I’ve almost learned how to navigate the current edition of the magazine.
Will be looking forward to the new format. This dog may still be young enough to learn a new trick.
Hi Paul - Don’t get too concerned, I’m sure you will be able to handle the new interface!
bah…I hate change..tis the only reason I keep my AOL account…..
Hi Bob,Nice idea for change,it would be very refreshing if politicians delivered on their promises
regards Chas.
Hi brian - Wow, AOL? I remember them!
I am ready for the change….I’m not saying anything was wrong with the way it is right now…but some changes are for the better!!!!
I am sooo looking forward to seeing what you have designed for the site.
Keep it coming !!!!
Hi, Mr. Bob!
I will look forward to the new looks! I’ll bet it’s an exciting change! Mabuhay ang “liveinthephilippines.com”! Cheers!
Hi Bob
Looks like your weekend will be quite busy.
Hi CHAS - It would be nice, you are right on that!
Hi Tyleen - Thank you, Tyleen.
Hi Dan Mihaliak - Yeah! Feyma is out of town, so it will give me something to do to keep myself busy. I get lonely if she is not around.
Hi ProudPinoy, Jr. - Thank you… I hope that everybody will like it. Coming soon!
Hi Bob,
Can’t wait to see the new look. By the way, I like the way you used the “change” slogan.
long live AOL!!
Hi Henry -
Glad you liked that! 
Hi Gary -
I think you’re doing an outstanding job presenting on your website. I hope you’ll consider including some staple features in the new format. I’m sure one like recent prices for items one might buy wiould quickly become a favorite. Things of interest could possibly include:
A Happy Meal/ combo lunch/breakfast at McDonalds and Jollybee
A haircut at your barber (prices do go up from time to time)
A movie ticket to a nice cinema at at the malls (pick one)
A kilo of rice
A kilo of bananas (our some other Philippine staple fruit)
A large bottle (not sure of the volume) of drinking water
A ten kilometer taxi ride
A 100 count container of tylenol (generic is fine)
A liter of gasoline
A liter of Coca Cola/Dr Pepper/Pepsi
I’m sure you can think of more items to add to the list. This data could be researched by one of your many fine assistants. Information like this is helpful to put costs of living in the Philippines into perspective and to gain an uderstanding of the impact of inflation on one’s buying power.
Hi David S. - OK, David. Thank you, I will see what I can do.
can’t wait to see it Bob…Phil R.
So looking forward to the new look, Bob! Will miss your and Feyma’s welcoming pictures though
.
Hi Phil R. - Thanks, I hope you’ll like it.
Hi mia - Taking my photo off might be a net plus!
Just kidding… there are always pluses and minuses to any change. I think it’s a net plus, though!
Hi Bob,
I agree with David S. It would be great to track the price fluctuations for the basics.
It would give me an example of what to expect on a weekly basis.
Still looking forward to the new look.
@Tyleen: I’ll see what I can do…