In June 2011 we re-launched the InfoZone, to present some information in a better way than it could be done via the Forum. The problem with ECF was that it had become so huge that finding a specific answer to a basic question took too long due to the size of the site. Also, the front page, being the main forum index, had become so large that it took forever to load.

We thought that if some of the basic information could be put into a ‘normal website’ section, it would be easier and quicker for people to find answers to simple, basic questions, and the site would also be a lot faster to browse.

In addition, we can now build a magazine and news section, along with other types of info presentation that will develop over the years to come. Just as four years ago nobody dreamed how big ECF would become, we don’t really know what the next four years will bring. All we know is that the new layout is the best way forward. It will change over time, just as the ECF forum did.

Technically, there are also some benefits: there is less load on the servers because new visitors (and that’s tens of thousands per day) may see the CMS first. That is the tech name for the way the new site front end is run. A giant forum puts a heavy load on a server because the database is worked extremely hard, and this load will now be reduced.

And from a usability perspective, the forum can be off-putting for new visitors because of its size, and also because many people prefer a ‘normal’ website to a forum, until they get to know the site and community better. We hope people will be interested by the new section and then come to the forum, instead of just leaving as some did before, when they saw the intimidating index page of the forum.

Starting out

For now, the InfoZone section will be small, to simplify the introductory process. It will grow rapidly, as there is plenty of material to add once we know the new section is working correctly.

We’ll have editors for new sections, and start to focus on the creation of a whole new resource. The Forum will not change in any way (though we might move some reference material into the InfoZone), it has always been the core of ECF and will stay that way. If you are an old forum hand and just want to stay in the forum – that’s fine

The new section will do several things, none of which affect the Forum:

• Make it easier to find some information
• Make it a lot easier for newcomers to find basic answers
• Make the site run faster as some load on the servers will be reduced
• We can do our job better and faster
• There are opportunities to create new ways of presenting information
• The site will look smarter on first view, if vistors land in the new section first
• ECF has grown at a phenomenal rate and it is time to look to the next stage
• Legislation and health information needs a much better form of presentation since we are not just talking amongst ourselves within the community now

The community know all about ECF and how to use it – but newcomers are often mightily confused. That is just not good enough, because we need all the numbers we can get in order to fight the huge corporations, and the government departments they control, who want to shut e-cigarettes down due to the effect on their incomes.

Your input

ECF is a community driven site, all the articles here rely upon your interaction and suggestions to be the best they can be. If you have a question on an article then please put it in the comments and we’ll do our best to answer it. Likewise if the article you want to see isn’t here then suggest it and we’ll get it written, or if you even want to write a piece to help your fellow vapers we’d love to have you as a contributor – use the contact form at the bottom and we’ll get back to you!