I had a great time at the Spring Run this weekend. While out to dinner with Jason, Steve, Moe, and the families, we talked a little bit about the new IASCA web site, and shared some opinions on it's ease of use. Here is what I think: The new website is attractive, however, it is very difficult to navigate. Ease of navigation/use will be most important in getting people to use this site as it is intended. Here are a few constructive criticisms: Every section of the website should have a link at the top of the main page. I cannot find the forums, other than the "dealer forum" and "forum activity". The galleries should be placed in order (most recent first) Maybe archive the old ones by years. I have about 45 pictures from this past weekends Spring Run at Mobile Dynamics in Thornhill, Ontario. I'd love to add them to the site. As for the "myspace of car audio", rather than make it based on this site (which lacks traffic) see if you could create an "IASCA Network" on Facebook.com The young crowd (college students, and recently graduated) check their Facebook multiple times per day, this is a group IASCA should target in order to grow. I'm not sure how to create a Network on facebook, but I don't think it would be difficult. Within the past year Facebook has been opened to anyone. It's a much more user-friendly social network than MySpace. Other Members please reply. I think this IASCA web site should be used more actively by the members. Justin

Hi Justin,

Thanks for the insight; we'll look into making the forum more accessible (by the way, did you get my email reply?)

In regards to your other suggestions, we're working towards cleaning that up; the photo gallery has been a soft spot for us and we're trying to get that rectified as we speak. Our database for the site has unfortunately taken a higher priority at this time and once complete, we'll be back to focusing on the galleries.

The MySapce" analogy may not have been the most accurate; our first attempt at setting up the site for photo and video downloads has met with lukewarm success and we're working with a new Community Server upgrade that should simplify that situation. If your photos are not too large, send them to us by email and we'll load them on the site in the meantime.

At one point, the IASCA forum used to be one of the busiest car audio forums on the web; unfortunately, growing pains with this new site has set that back. We're hoping that as time progresses, we'll see it grow again. There are IASCA networks on FaceBook already, but I don't think they're overly busy either.

We're just finishing up with our search engines for members, dealers, events and statistics; the coding is complete and save for a couple of "tweaks" needed, they'll all be up and running by the end of the week. Their completion was delayed with my departure from the office for a few days... :P

I hope this helps andswer your questions; please keep sending the suggestions, we love to hear them!

All the best, 

Hey Justin! Let me first start by agreeing with you Justin. The site is a pain in the ass to get around, especially compared to the ease of the old one. It needs alot of "tweaking", and trust me when I tell you........don't hold your breath waiting. It takes these guys forever to get around to the website.

Now in IASCA's defense.................I really like the format and look they've created here. Granted, it sucks to get anywhere without searching alot, but it has soooooo much more potential than the last site they had. By the way, I was on that old baby every day, sometimes 2 or 3 times. Seriously tho Uncle Moe, Justin hit the nail on the head. Part of the attraction to IASCA's format is having the competitors being able to"see their name(s) up in lights." On the internet alone, the website is the main draw for potential "newbies", and should be prioritized. More than any other component for advertising your "business" the website speaks volumes of about who you are, what you do, and whether or not you're worth a ship.

It's super-important with this new generation of people to start drawing them in via internet. The old days was about attraction in the lanes. That's where it you to start. Not anymore. Most potential newbies hear about our industry by word of mouth.........then grab their computer and hit the websites for more info. I know how busy it is at IASCA. You know that I do. However, everyday that goes by with this site 1/2 up and running, being hard to navigate, with promised features that don't work (yet)......................creates the first impression of a dead whale on the beach. Wake up you know who and get him working on the site. I miss the old days and all the people that ranted back and forth.   

Hi Moe and Steve. I did get your e-mail, and appreciate the response. I think my difficulty may have to do with Safari as my internet browser (Mac). I was using my girlfriends pc, and saw a nice toolbar with all the links, while using Internet Explorer. I hope the season is going well and look forward to competing more this summer. Hopefully there will be some more events in the Toronto/Upstate NY area.