Making Something New… © Jed Smith
With change comes a few bumps and a bit of mess…
Just a month ago I embarked on a major update to ItalyWise. I’d decided I was ready for a design that gave me more flexibility and felt more lively. After all, life as an expat in Italy is anything but dull and it is ALWAYS changing and evolving. If only I could say that I could invite and implement change without any angst. If only I could hope that, in this day and age, I could push a few buttons and everything would magically fall into place.
So, yet another lesson about life…
And mess. Old attachments and old ways of doing things have to be relinquished in order to make way for the new. You often need to step out of yourself and look at what you have and decide to assemble those things in an entirely new way while understanding that probably there will come another day when you break even that apart and reassemble the pieces of your life. Something new comes at a price, but I’m finding it’s a price I’m gladly willing to pay, even though I’ve had a few kicking and screaming episodes as I’ve been trying to figure out this “migration” to a new design template and platform.
Bear with me as the changes continue.
I’d love to say that my newly rendered website will manifest as a flawless experience but that would be misleading. You may have times when you attempt to log on and you get the dreaded “undergoing maintenance” message. Please have patience with ItalyWise as I smooth out the rough edges. The newly designed website and functionality are intended to deliver to you an elevated experience.
Post notifications.
You may experience some inconsistency here as I work through this functionality. For two weeks I’ve been stymied at notifications going out without the featured photos that are important hallmarks of ItalyWise. But, I’m working with the experts to figure this out and get your notifications back on track so that you get a full and proper preview!
I always welcome your feedback!
Particularly now, as I smooth out the rough edges, I want to hear from you. If there is something you see as missing, let me know! If there are topics that you’d like to hear about, don’t be shy! I’m always adding to my list of future topics and videos so please, influence me.
And, coming soon…
Provided I’m not completely flummoxed by a few of the aforementioned migration issues, the next two topics making their way to the launchpad are “What to do When You Have a Car Accident in Italy” (believe me, this is important information) and, on a more entertaining note, the final in the series about La Porta dei Parchi—a special tasting of the farm’s spectacular artisanal organic cheeses.
Grazie mille!
Thanks for sticking with me on this journey and evolution. I look forward to hearing from you.
Hi Jed,
site changes look good and yes the journey continues, it is always a refreshing thing when one is able to go through the difficult changes necessary to attain an end goal and you are fully aware of that as most expats are, your pics are lovely as well as the videos, I guess if I had something to add it would be to know if you accept pics from your readers or are they your work only? keep up the great work and thank all subscribers for there insight.
MP
Thanks, Mark! I so appreciate the encouragement. I’m so glad you like the videos and pics. You pose an intriguing idea about readers submitting photos. Perhaps I will develop a page/section where subscribers/readers can share their images. That could be a lot of fun. Maybe photos related to different themes or locations! Thanks for making the suggestion.
Jed, your creativity and impeccable taste come shining through in the changes that you’ve made. I imagine that there was also a large dose of courage at play here too! Your site looks great and I think you’re getting the results you seek…it’s fresh even as it remains familiar. Bravi!
Grazie mille, Kevin! I’ve really jumped down the rabbit hole with this update. All good, ultimately, but my brain hurts learning some importan new things (like launching a new email platform/integration)!
This looks great Jed,
You have such talent, I love your photography and videos. Cannot wait for more in the future. Baci, baci, Robin
Thanks, Robin, as always, for your support and encouragement. More coming soon! xoxoxo Jed
Good luck with the changes. Always great stories. Ciao!
Ciao, Kathy! While I growl at some of the changes, I’m appreciating how these speedbumps (some bigger than others) are forcing me out of my comfort zone and the status quo. Growing pains even at this age!
JED,
I thought your last post about the Venice Carnival was awesome, I’ve been meaning to write and say so. I especially liked your images. Can’t wait to see what you capture this year!
Good luck with the migration, can’t wait to see the results.
Joe
Thanks, Joe. I had a blast capturing those images. Maybe next year I’ll venture forth again! The migration continues as I have to completely rebuild a few things that didn’t make the journey from the previous design platform. Painful and time-consuming, but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right?
Hi Jed
I’m new to your blog but know your pain with technology and trying to change it!
But I have to say, this looks good – so keep at it.
Piano piano as they say (irritatingly).
And looking fwd to seeing how you progress – 14 years living in Northern Tuscany and we still only ever try to achieve max, one thing per trip into town!
Thanks, Chris, and welcome to my blog! I got a good chuckle out of your “Piano piano as they say (irritatingly)” comment. So true and often said through gritted teeth. You’re way ahead of me in settling into Italy. I’ll remember the one thing per trip into town. Less stress-inducing!
Looking forward to seeing the final product.
The overall look and structure are there, but a few things didn’t migrate over so smoothly (photo and painting galleries are being rebuilt from scratch!). Once I’ve done all this basic stuff I’ll be playing with how to make the site even more fun and interactive!