anniversary and redesign
The first post ever on Sticks of Fire was written on February 6, 2004, entitled “Well, here it is…”
Not really sure what “it” is, but I’ve started it, and you have found it.
Let’s see how long this lasts.
Not exactly on par with “One Small Step For Man…” huh? Regardless, those words were published two years ago today. The blog was originally started on the free blogspot spot, and a lot has changed since then. Shortly after the first anniversary, I decided to move to WordPress. Around March 2005, along with John Fontana, we acquired our own domain, http://sticksoffire.com. With John helping on the design, and a bit further CSS assistance from Brett Glisson, we settled on a look with plenty of bright color. That version went live on May 27, 2005.
On this, the second anniversary of Sticks of Fire, I present to you the latest redesign (look around now). Once again, John Fontana was a MAJOR help in making most of the visual changes you see. The current clean look is highlighted by just a few new items. First and foremost: the new header. The icons across the top each represent something that is a part of Tampa. They were all created by my brother, and you may have seen them before in the Sticks of Fire gift shop.
Features being unveiled today include “Ask A Tampan,” where you can ask any question about tampa and get an answer from our Tampa experts online. We’ve also recently added a couple new information pages. Here is a (way incomplete) list of Tampa area non-profits, Tampa Bay Media, local government agencies & links, Tampa area social clubs and Krewes, and a list of Tampa Bay Venues. Also, the blogroll has moved.
Another thing recently changed is that ALL the old archives from Blogspot have been moved here too. They do not have categories, but they are now here with us!
As you can see, the general look and feel remains similar to the most recent. But, there are more changes coming (mostly internal) over the next few days, so please bear with me if you see something goofy here and there.
Here are some other highlights over the last two years:
- We asked for help with writing on Sticks of Fire back in September. Since then, we’ve had the pleasure of hosting ten additional writers on a consistent basis. Most recently, we teamed up with the Tampa Bay History Center to bring you interesting local facts daily. Plans are in the works to highlight these great folks a little more than we have in the past. You’ll hear more about that very soon. And by the way, we are still looking for other voices to sing of Tampa Bay. Contact us!
- In September, Sticks of Fire was named “Best Local Website” by the Weekly Planet, and deemed one of the local blogs you should be reading by *tbt. In December, we scooped both dailies on a development story. Not to even mention the multitude of other compliments given by many other online pundits.
- And you are reading: After one year, there were 16,717 unique visitors who looked at a total of 24,935 pages. As of midnight 12 hours ago, our two year totals are 60,562 unique visitors on 116,548 pages. And recently we were able to learn a little more about you.
To the contributors here - I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you donating your unique and incredible talents. And to you who read and comment - I really appreciate you taking the time to look us over now and again. I hope you continue to find us somewhat relevant.
Tags: redesign, site-info, tampa
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February 6th, 2006 at 12:24 pm
we’ll change the look of comments in the near future… something we overlooked.
February 6th, 2006 at 1:47 pm
I meant for this post to go up here: It’s still the first public general posting of the new design! Woo-hoo!: Rocking gentleman! I hope this is the first general public post of the new design!
February 6th, 2006 at 2:11 pm
As a humble contributor, I like it. I’m also glad to be associated with this wacky bunch. It’s opened up the community and made me feel more at home.
Have you thought of adding a page for people selling or buying or looking for jobs? Just a thought.
Keep up the good work.
February 6th, 2006 at 3:08 pm
Thank you Tommy for giving us Sticks of Fire!!
February 6th, 2006 at 4:23 pm
Hey David! Yours is the first public comment on the new design. Congratulations. You win a free subscription to Sticks of Fire for life!!
Kate, it is my pleasure to be associated with you. For classifieds, I can recommend http://www.tampa4sale.com/ They offer free classifieds, and job postings too!
February 6th, 2006 at 4:24 pm
Where oh where is your trackback link? Sheesh, I wanted to show a little love…
February 6th, 2006 at 4:25 pm
right at the top of this pop-up comment form, Dave….
February 6th, 2006 at 5:44 pm
I dig!!!
February 6th, 2006 at 6:04 pm
As you already know, I love it. But I would request a background for those of us with large monitors.
Too much white is not good on your readers eyeballs — especially when they are old broads such as moi!
February 6th, 2006 at 6:06 pm
I have some time opened to start helping with the business beat at SoF. I know, I know. I’m terribly behind on that.
February 6th, 2006 at 6:14 pm
B | L — I was just talking to Tommy about that… We’re discussing either a color or something else. To be determined. He likes the minimalist look but white on white…?
February 6th, 2006 at 6:23 pm
Congratulations on the redesign, Tommy. Pretty sharp stuff. I suppose you’ll be asking me to hand out info about myself now for the contributor page, thus requiring me to actually contribute. Damn you.
February 6th, 2006 at 7:05 pm
Hey Tommy? When do you start work on the “Best’o’sticks” post, using the old blog posts as examples?
February 7th, 2006 at 1:41 am
My eyes, I can see!
February 7th, 2006 at 2:09 pm
Looks great! Thanks for letting me contribute and for providing such great info for all of us.
February 8th, 2006 at 12:35 pm
I have to say that my art looks good on the top of your site.
June 1st, 2006 at 10:13 pm
I may be way out here in the desert of Arizona but I have certainly enjoyed reading all the things about Tampa.. I strong ties there going back to the 1930’s
Many THANKS for the site you put up..
David Dowling
February 10th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
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