Date: Fri, 27 Aug 1999 09:05:03 -0400
Reply-To: The Bus Depot <ron@NETCARRIER.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: The Bus Depot <ron@NETCARRIER.COM>
Subject: NEW Website Updates!!
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
I'm happy to announce that I've finally made the long awaited changes to the
Bus Depot web pages. Until now, the focus of the site has been on the
search engine and product database, with graphics, product info, and even in
some cases navigation taking a back seat to functionality. The new pages
are the first big step toward improving that.
The new format allows me to provide short product info on product
categories, or even on individual products, either on the general product
category page (such as "books", "brake parts" etc.), as links from the
pages, or even by clicking through on the actual item/price listing. So far
I am using this to provide basic product info (such as whose brands we carry
on certain products, etc.), as well as clickable links that show exhaust and
wasserboxer hose diagrams. These links, graphics, and descriptions will
gradually be increased now that the new pages are set up to allow them. I
have also improved the navigation of the site, while at the same time trying
to keep the pages simple enough (no frames, and not overly
graphics-intensive) to prevent unacceptably long download times.
Now that the background format is set, the next project is to increase the
database. It's currently at 10,000 parts, but I have another 8000 plus more
application data ready to go in. This may still take a few months, but I
remain committed to keeping busdepot.com the largest online parts catalog on
the web, bar none.
By the way, in the process of implementing these new pages, my web host
inadvertantly shut the site down for several hours yesterday. :-( So if
you couldn't get through, that's why. I checked it and it's working now.
They assure me this won't happen again (and I'm working on getting a mirror
site just in case), but if you do happen to experience slow service or no
service, please do me a favor and drop both me and them an email to let us
know (busdepot@email.com and support@justcallinc.com).
Any feedback on the new look would also be very welcome.
Thanks,
Ron Salmon
The Bus Depot, Inc.
http://www.busdepot.com
(215) 234-VWVW
| 
