DATE: 4/20/2010
TO: All ORBUSMAX.com visitors and supporters
RE: Important Information Regarding ORBUSMAX.COM
Today is the launch of ORBUSMAX.COM desktop version 2.0. You will find a list of what's new and changed below. The new layout and enhancements should make ORBUSMAX.COM easier to use and navigate. These changes and enhancements are based on feedback and suggestions received over the past few months.
I also want to give an update on the financial status of ORBUSMAX.COM. Several of you have faithfully supported the site with donations, either on a monthly basis,
or by paying for several months in advance. To all of you, I want to express my sincere thanks and appreciation for your support. Your generosity has kept the
site going since my announcement last August of taking the site full-time.
That being said... the current rate of revenue received is falling short of what's needed to keep the site going on a long-term basis. Right now, ORBUSMAX.COM is pulling
about $400 - 500/month, which is about 10 - 15% of the target of $4000 - %5000/month. So I calling for all hands on deck. If you find ORBUSMAX.COM a useful resource... if you have
thought about donating but as of yet have not... if you want to see one of the few independent news websites in the Northwest continue to exist... then this message
is for you: I need your help ASAP.
Please use the Paypal donation box ( now located on the DONATE/SHOP PAGE ) and make a donation today. Recommendations: A monthly
donation of $3.50; a 6-month donation of $21.00; a yearly donation of $42.00; or a 5-year donation of $210.00.
If you would like to make a donation via check/postal delivery, there is a link at the DONATE/SHOP PAGE to request instructions on how to do so.
I realize these are tough economic times, but I want to be clear: without adequate financial support, ORBUSMAX.COM runs a serious risk of closing up shop.
Back to the new website... Everything that was there before is still on the site, just organized into multiple pages. Here is a rundown of the new site:
* The website has been broken up into smaller, faster loading web pages, with a navigation bar at the top of each page top quickly move around.
* The HOME page is now just the current news links of the day, with a easier-to-read font and bigger columns. (NOTE: IF you use the '10 min refresh' checkbox to automatically
re-load the page, that setting has been moved to the bottom of the page.)
* The BLOGROLL is a separate page consisting just of the blogs used by ORBUSMAX.COM. It's organized by NORTHWEST and NATIONAL, just as before.
* The NEWSROLL is a separate page consisting just of the news websites used by ORBUSMAX.COM. It's organized by NORTHWEST and NATIONAL, just as before.
* The RESOURCES page consists of the tools and resources that used to exist on the far right of the old page. News websites, business news links, search boxes, traffic,
weather... it's all located on this page.
* The STREAMING page consiste of the links to various media outlets that stream over the internet. On the old page, it used to be on the far right column below the resources. Use this page to bring up streaming video/audio from your favorite news site when the TV or radio isn't handy.
* The BLOG link will take you to the ORBUSMAX.COM blog. This is where I will post important information that requires a more formal presentation than just links on the home page.
* The ARCHIVE link will take you to archive of what previously has been linked on the HOME page. I have received multiple requests asking that I have way to save news
links for reference later as needed. I hope this addresses that need.
* The DONATE/SHOP page is how ORBUSMAX.COM makes it's money. This is where you can make donations, but you can also shop for items at recognized retailers, and ORBUSMAX.COM
receives a commission any time a purchase is made that comes through the links/search tools on this page. THERE'S EVEN A LINK TO PURCHASE T-SHIRTS, CAPS, MUGS, AND OTHER ITEMS
with the ORBUSMAX.COM LOGO! Please consider making a donation today, along with the shopping links.
I hope you enjoy the new layout, and find ORBUSMAX.COM even more useful than before. If you questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you,
Jim Walker
“Orb”