InstrumentalJams.com Future Enhancements for 2008

Submitted by justinpowell on Mon, 2008-02-18 17:47.

In the months since the introduction of InstrumentalJams, I have been thrilled by the positive reception and the site's growth. However, frequent visitors to InstrumentalJams.com may have noticed that content updates haven't been happening with the same frequency they used to. I wanted to take a minute to give everyone a quick update as to the status of the site.

Let me begin by saying that I've put a lot of personal effort and investment into launching InstrumentalJams.com and it's pretty important to me to see things through - it's not going anywhere! That said, at this stage of InstrumentalJams' lifespan I've been the person doing the bulk of the work on the site and some things haven't happened as fast as I'd like. As the site continues to grow, I will look to get more help. For now, I appreciate everyone's patience as I get things to the next level.

Despite the slower-than-normal content updates, I've still be doing a lot of behind-the-scenes planning and work on InstrumentalJams in order to position it for the future. Over the coming weeks and months, the fruits of this effort will become publicly visible and I'm hoping will be well worth the wait.

Here's a quick summary of the changes planned for InstrumentalJams:

  • Version 1.5 - Upgraded Content Management System: (Completed) I have upgraded the content management system (CMS) powering InstrumentalJams to a newer, more powerful version. There won't be much of a visible change to the site, however it will position the site for future enhancements and scalability.
  • Version 2.0 - Redesign: Based on the newer CMS platform, I will roll out a new visual design to the site. The CMS upgrade broke the old page design and new, temporary page design is currently in place. The final 2.0 design of the site will be completed over the coming weeks.
  • Version 2.1 - New Artist Profile System: I will institute a new menu-based system for managing artist profiles. On a limited basis, I have already provided artists with direct access to change their pages. Using the new menu-based system I will look to open this up much more in order to encourage much wider coverage of the indie instrumental scene. Existing profiles will be migrated to the new system. The new profile system may be implemented prior to the site redesign being completed.
  • Version 2.2 - Multimedia upgrade: Added to the profile system will be additional multimedia capabilities, such as enhanced tools for embedding audio and video.
  • Version 2.3 - Enhanced Searching & Views: With the new profile system in place, I will begin implementing additional searching tools and pages that cover specific topics. For instance, there would be a page showing all of the instrumental guitar acts on the site which is automatically generated based on information contained in the individual artist profiles. Another view might be a list of all the acts that have a video in their profile. The new searching system and views will all be designed to allow users to have greater ability to explore instrumental rock music and find acts they might like.
  • Version 2.4 - Content Buildout: While implementing the new feature and structural enhancements, I will continue to add artist profiles and content (albeit on a more limited basis than normal). Once the new features are fully implemented, focus will be directed at increasing the content on the site. A major part of this buildout will include allowing indie artists direct access to add and manage their own content.
  • Version 2.5 - New Discussion Forum System: InstrumentalJams.com will implement a new discussion forum & commenting system that more closely integrates the discussion with the content pages.
  • Beyond Version 2.5:

    • Implement additional content and functionality. I have a range of enhancements I'm considering (both large and small) and I am particularly interested in hearing from both artists and fans what they'd like to see on the site.

This is the plan as of now. Things may change somewhat as the site evolves or taking into consideration external factors like trends in the music industry and social networking.

I am really interested in hearing your thoughts! Please feel free to send me your comments using the contact form as to what you'd like to see on InstrumentalJams in the future. Any feature request is welcome - keep them coming!

Thanks again for making InstrumentalJams.com a success so far. I look forward to seeing everyone as the site continues to progress into the future!

Have a great one,
Justin