This will not be the last time you see changes here at ActiveRain. In fact, because we are fresh off a major overhaul to the underlying technology upon which ActiveRain is built, you should expect to see changes and updates more frequently.

That's very exciting for us. But we don't want it to come as a shock each time something new is introduced, so Nikesh (click that link and subscribe to his blog) will often give you a chance to test it out and give us feedback before it goes live.

In fact, last Monday Nikesh introduced a new look and feel for ActiveRain. For the last week our members have had a chance to play with the upgraded ActiveRain on our testing server, beta.activerain.com. We are really excited today to be releasing the first upgrade to the layout of the site in quite some time.

What all comes along with this new design? As Nikesh previously mentioned, here are some of the highlights:

1) New Logo & Design:

We have updated the design and header of ActiveRain to bring us into 2012. We also made some tweaks to the logo to modernize it and make it ring with the promise of ActiveRain as an aspirational community that is looking to connect, share and learn from each other.  We have moved the clouds & the sky to be part of the logo to represent the idealism that ActiveRain represents. 

2) Search Bar:  The search bar is now present across ALL pages on ActiveRain, since search is such a core part of using the Internet.  We will be making more changes to search on ActiveRain in the near future. 
 
New Header
 
 
 
 
New ActiveRain My Home Design3) MyHome: This is where you will see the majority of the changes.  MyHome on ActiveRain has consistently been the single most visited page on ActiveRain, but was the least optimized for the core activities that we want members to engage it.  From an ActiveRain perspective, we want members to CONNECT with other members, WRITE/COMMENT, and READ.  
 
We also have made the "Activity Feed" the core content of the MyHome tab.  Over time, we will move blog post content and group posts into your activity feed as well, so you can see them all in one area.  
 
Making MyHome cleaner and more focused required us to move links around.  We have moved links up in the navigation that promote managing your profile, writing a blog post, viewing the traffic to your blog, and seeing your points.  All the links that were on the left side of MyHome should still be on MyHome.  Some of links which were used less frequently have been moved to "Blog," "Setting" or "Other."  You can click on the arrow to see all the links.
 
4) Settings: In the upper right now, you will see your name (or part of your name that are including your city & state in your name field).  When you click on your name, it will show your settings and billing information.  Only YOU will be able to see your billing information.  Some members have added more text to their first name and last name in the upper right.  For example, if you made your first name in the system, "Bellevue's Home Buying Expert" and your last Name "Bob Stewart, Specialist at Keller Williams Bellevue,"  the system will only show the first 20 characters.   Again, ONLY YOU see this.  Consumers do not see the name in the upper right.
 

Listening to Feedback:

For the last week, since the release of the update to our Beta server, we have been listening to the feedback of members who have been using the new version of the site. Have we made some adjustments? You bet we have. We've found that the collective brain power of a community like ActiveRain is always capable of making improvements. If you have ideas on making ActiveRain better based on this new upgrade, or just based on anything you've thought up, please email:  beta@activerain.com.

 

ActiveRain Partners Program:

To go along with the new design on the 'my home' page, we are also introducing a new ActiveRain Partners Program on ActiveRain. Interested in what it means to be an ActiveRain Partner? Feel free to stop by our post announcing the new program. If you are interested in a more powerful way to further your connections with real estate agents on ActiveRain, ActiveRain Partners may be for you.

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169 Comments on A New Look and Feel on ActiveRain Launches on Tuesday January 24

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

JAN
25
2012
197,436 Points 2 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

I like the new logo and the search bar. So far, I am not a big fan of the new 'my home'
12:13am • #150
237,119 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I like the new My Home, and if I'm honestl, the old one confused me for a really long time and I thought it was not user friendly until I figured everything out.  I think that this one is more user friendly and everyone will get used to it eventually.  My only beef is that people's profile pics (including mine) are distorted.  There must be some different resolution they need to be or something. but they don't look very good - don't know if something can be done for that.  -Kasey
1:56am • #151
342,246 Points 2 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I like the changes except I do not like seeing

Subscriptions:

Subscribers:

Points:

Rank:

etc of other bloggers.  Is there a way we can minimize that? Or do we have to see it? :)
2:10am • #152
141,569 Points Attended Rain Camp

Like the look of the new logo. At the new My Home page I don't like the bigger font, I guess it will take time to get use to.
3:15am • #153
478,800 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hello.

I was pleasantly surprised to see the changes. Now if the site will not be freezing up and take forever to down load comment and sites.

And control spam like the one comment above my comment. Other than that I really like the changes.

You ROCK ActiveRain.

Best, Clint McKie
4:51am • #154
683,579 Points 107 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I love the new look, and am enjoying learning about the changes.  I think I know where everything is now, but can't seem to find "Draft Posts".... Are they still here?  I need them for the days my brain isn't working ;0)
6:37am • #155
683,579 Points 107 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Nevermind the comment above.... Found the Draft Posts after my second cup of coffee :0)  Thanks AR For all you do!
7:08am • #156
267,808 Points
Looking forward to the changes - I am sure they will be good. Thanks!
7:13am • #157
1,309,202 Points 65 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

So far, so good
7:19am • #158
1,420,566 Points 41 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

A little too early to tell. . we are now off the lot driving it around. . I'm sure we are going to find some issues along the way. . but I welcome the change since it means a faster loading time.
7:33am • #159
354,654 Points 19 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I like the new look. It'll take a little time to figure out where everything is, but it does not seem like it will be a problem.
7:46am • #160
445,301 Points 5 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

At first I was put off by the new home page - but all the features still seem to be there, once you can find them.
7:47am • #161
868,771 Points 5 Featured Posts

I had lost all my drafts yesterday, posted that questions and the community provided me with the answer.
7:58am • #162
292,852 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp
Just like anything new, once we get used to it it'll be just fine. I think the improvements are good! Thank you for always trying!
8:22am • #163
113,645 Points 3 Featured Posts

Always good to listen to your participants. I must have blinked and missed the announcement. I thought it was a glitch in my computer. Change keeps us on our toes and I am sure it was well thought out.
8:48am • #164

Fran, #150 - Your Stats/Subscribrs Button is now titled Traffic.  It's below your picture on the left in blue.
12:22pm • #165
1,125,605 Points 90 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Not sure how I like the look of the text. I like the white/clean look but the type looks cheesy to me. 
4:21pm • #166

lost the stats.. and ability to see the roster..   well maybe they are not done with the revisions, but presently I do not see any "improvements"   maybe they are still coming
7:38pm • #167
JAN
26
2012
1 Featured Post Outside Blog

So Far so Good! I got surprised by it all!!
12:04am • #168
497,610 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Sorry Active Rain you blew it!  I luv ya, but not the changes.  A new log OK, but so what.  Home page, for get it! I hate it!.  Drop donw menus a pain!
8:00pm • #169

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