NESP Forum

Hello my friends,

My name is Stephen and I do merch for Taylor. I know I am pretty new here and I hope I don't offend anyone by reaching out to you guys for input. I met a few of you in MA at the beginning of the summer leg. I would definitely love to meet more of you in person as the tour winds down for the summer. Something that Taylor and I want to work on is making both his official website, HQ, and his myspace page more user friendly, as well as having content on all three pages that you guys want to see there, considering you are the ones who are visiting, looking for tasty things Taylor. I am going to be approaching a few of the fan communities that I feel are extremely committed to Taylor and want to see things be as good as they possibly can be to get input on this topic. Obviously, I include all of you in this category. So - fire away! What do you think we should do to change/add/alter the websites? Thanks in advance to everyone that helps us on this project.

Best,

Stephen

First of all, THANKS for coming to NESP for advice. That is cool that we are so well regarded !

Let me jump in with a few suggestions.
1. Get rid of the black background. It is hard to read.
2. Put fresh stuff on there.. sorry.. but don't post a blog if you cannot put a new one up soon. It makes the website look forlorn to have old news sitting there day after day. Keep it fresh, not stale.
3.Interaction. It does not have to be a "live" chat. That is not a good idea IMO because people mess up their day to be online (cancel appointments, stay home from work, etc) and then get upset if it does not work. Just post some answers to e-mail questions sent to a particular address or something along those lines would be fine.
4. Myspace is OK, but don't forget if people are paying $25 per yr. to the HQ.. well, they should get something for the $25. First crack at tickets is good, but maybe other stuff, like unique photos or some first hand news should go to the HQ.

OK.. that is my 2 cents. Thanks again for asking !

Duff in Vermont

Hi Stephen!

Duff took the words right out of my mouth *LOL*!!
All the things that she said, I was thinking.  Up to date info, especially blogs, & more interaction would be wonderful.

It's so nice to know that our voices are heard.  All of the ladies here have awesome ideas!  We love Taylor & want him to succeed, bottom line.  It's really sad to hear that people aren't going to renew over at the THHQ because they feel that it's not up to date enough.

I think the ideas expressed above are those of most of the board here.  I, sadly, rarely if ever, visit the THHQ website.  I just don't feel the need to as most times the information is spread like wildfire to the well-known fansites (namely, the Boogie) and I can access it there as well as get my daily dose of community.

I guess a more friendly user format would be appreciated as well as information and insight that you can only get there - especially if you paid the membership fee.  The up close & personal aspect that was left void when Gray Charles left is what is needed to put a shot into the web world of Taylor Hicks.

Thanks for allowing our little site to be part of you survey!  Appreciate it much!  Can't wait to see you all next weekend in CT, RI & ME!!!

make sure you stop by and say hi to me. i would love to meet you.

Hi Stephen,
I visit THHQ almost daily but don't post very much. I completely agree with what I quoted above from Amy. More up-to-date news (it's getting a little better lately) and of course.....interaction with THE MAN himself! We can all appreciate how busy Taylor is but if he could set aside 5-10 minutes each week to post a blog or start the beloved audioblogs up again every fan on HQ would be so happy!
This will be important when he is off the road and we are all out here in cyber space wondering what he's up to....maybe he can let us know how the writing is going and tease us with what may make it onto the next CD.
I do not "do" myspace so I can't help you there.
I will support Taylor any way I can...he is a rare musical gem IMO.

Take care and stay safe on the road....we here at NESP can't wait to see you all again very soon!

Andrea aka SegerHicks

Oh yes - I don't do myspace either. At least not very often as I'm on dialup and myspace is just too busy for my little computer connection.

I'll definitely stop by and say 'Hello' next weekend, too!

Hi Stephen,

I actually have met you; in Coral Springs, Foxwoods, Westbury.....and MA. Happy you have come to NESP for input, and really look forward to the "new & improved" web presence for Taylor.

Everything said thus far rings true for me as well.

I seem to recall mention of "behind the scenes" videos that were in the works but do not recall having seen them; something extra special for the members of HQ.

I do like the weekly updates idea, exclusive to the HQ.

For the HQ....must give people value for their membership, whether it's exclusive interviews, videos, audio blogs, written blogs, contests or "free stuff"

Perhaps surprise give aways, nothing big, maybe signed CD, Tshirt or book given to, for example, the 100th person to log in that day....only don't announce which day, just promote that one lucky person will win the item(s) just for being the "one"....obviously this will increase people (and membership) to the HQ site daily based on the "log in & win" promotion, or banner at the top of the site.

Something for new members....once a month select one to win Tshirt, CD, or even better, item of their choice, from the inventory. Have a choice of three or four all of the same value.....

My personal favorite: contest to win pair of tickets to upcoming show! No ideas at the moment how to administer that one but will think on it, and get back to you!

Will see you next weekend in RI & ME.
Safe travels to all,

Deirdre

I agree with all the suggestions so far. Key is the keeping things up-to-date and fresh as well as more interaction from the man everyone is going there for.

For the MySpace, a written blog every week or two letting everyone know what he's been up to. And on the THHQ, audioblogs once a week would be one of the special member benefits. I also understand how busy the man is but, really, 5 minutes to do an audio blog is nothing. And, what, 5 or 10 minutes to type up a blog for MySpace. I'm sure Tay must feel his fans are worth it.

And about those long promised behind-the-scenes videos... still waiting. *tapping fingers*

And I love the idea also of having a Q & A section where questions can be posted for Taylor and he answers, say...a couple three a week maybe?

And exclusive photos of the man. And since we know Tay likes photography and has a great new camera...posting shots he himself has taken throughout his adventures could be cool! Including captions or descriptions of said photo in his own words.

I think it's so cool that you guys are serious about making Taylor's sites better and you've asked the fans thoughts. I'll pray y'all take all these ideas in the thread seriously and TCB!! (That's take care of business as Elvis used to say. )

~Nancy~

Welcome Stephen -- as you can see, this group has some great ideas, so I don't have much to add... but just a few thoughts.

Yes to what everyone else has said about a weekly blog post or audioblog, where Taylor gives us an update on his plans and activities.

The Q+A feature would be fun, even if it is only one fan question a week that gets answered.

Exclusive streaming audio or video.. It's great that the Dewey recordings have been used on THHQ, if there is more stuff out there, keep it coming.

Myspace is not all that user friendly, it's best for a "first look" at new audio and video, just keep it attractive and relatively uncluttered...

I'm glad you stopped by, and I look forward to seeing you in RI and Portland next weekend.
I'm very excited you'll be visiting my hometown, Concord NH on Aug 17. Don't hesitate to send me a PM if you need any local insider info about eating, shopping, hanging out...

Margaux