Today, JazzPDX.org launches the second redesign since the site launched in June of 2007 (that was 277 posts ago, for those of you that haven’t been keeping track). As usual, the site looks best in a standards-compliant browser like Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, or Google Chrome. If you’re using Internet Explorer, please consider switching to one of these browsers - your internet experience will be faster, cleaner, and more enjoyable.
One of the major focuses of the redesign is to highlight sharing the content here on JazzPDX. You’ll notice that on the right-hand side of each post, there are more obvious links to the categories and tags that each post is attached to. This way, you can find other articles in the “Gig Announcements” category, or all the past information we’ve posted on someone like Alan Jones. Below these, there are links to comment on a post, as well as share that post on Twitter, or other social-media services such as Facebook, Reddit, or MySpace. Use these as much as you can! Letting your friends know about what’s going on in the jazz scene will only help the scene grow.
Twitter integration is a new project that JazzPDX will be rolling out over time. If you’re unfamiliar with Twitter, try reading this page - it should give you the basics. Right now, you can use the “Share this on Twitter” button to get a twitter-friendly link to the post. Soon, users will also be able to send “tweets” to JazzPDX and have them appear on the front page. Check out this page for more info. Also, watch the box right below “Recommended Shows” on the main page - when the new Twitter features are active, this is where you’ll be able to read up on what people are saying.
A couple of JazzPDX’s older features have been changed slightly. For example, the picture gallery has a new home with a more convenient layout. Over time, this will evolve with tagging features and captions as well. Instead of being on the sidebar, the gallery preview now sits below the most recent post on the front page.
The “Recommended Shows” section has a new home as well - now it prominently sits at the top of the front page.
Finally, if you’re looking for convenient ways to keep up-to-date with JazzPDX, try reading our RSS Feed or subscribing to e-mail updates via Feedburner. This way, you can be automatically notified when new posts go up. Also, you can follow our Twitter ID: @jazzpdx.
As usual, artists and fans are encouraged (begged?) to send pictures, information about gigs, recordings, and anything else relating to the Portland jazz scene to submit@jazzpdx.org