There are so many additional features on Food for Thought since we launched the new site a few weeks ago that I could easily write a column on each one. But it would take a few weeks to reach the end of the list, and by then we’d have yet more new things to mention.
I think I’ll just dash off this list.
1. New contributing writers: Meet Jeff Shively Ph.D, Q&A neuropsychologist who’ll tell us everything we ever wanted to know about the human brain but were afraid to ask (disclosure: he is my brother-in-law).
Also, please meet Celeste White, Charlie Price, Marc Soares and Steve Brewer, all published authors, all my friends.
Next, meet Dugan Barr, renowned attorney, my friend and prolific writer (two essays within ten days!). And not to forget Tom O’Mara, a friend, deep thinker and wonderful writer. Finally, meet Shelly Shively, Q&A interior re-designer. Shelly’s my twin, but she’s so talented that I’d have invited her to write for Food for Thought even if we weren’t former womb mates.
I welcome all these talented people to Food for Thought. We’re lucky to have every one of them. I hope you’ll enjoy reading their words, learning from them and getting to know them as much as I have.
2. Classifieds: This section has huge potential; just huge. Go to forums and you’ll find a free classifieds section. Yes, free. At least now, and maybe forever. I don’t know. Credit for classifieds’ creation goes to Darcie Gore, my friend and the “mother” of our Community Forums. She’ll also moderate the classifieds forum, which could turn into a tremendous job. (Let us know if you’d like to help.)
The classifieds are intended as yet another e-village service to enrich and enhance our lives. These classifieds are for private party postings only. (Read: no business advertisements here.)
Regarding rules, I hate to say the obvious, but just so we’re clear: No pornography, no firearms, explosives or weapons. No stalking or harassing. No violations to the Fair Housing Act or to any equal employment opportunity laws. No links to commercial sites. No spam. No ads for illegal activities or substances. (You legal brains out there, please let me know if I’ve forgotten anything.)
I realize that wading into classifieds is a major journey into uncharted waters for Food for Thought. But if any group of people could handle this section with class and grace and responsibility, it’s this site’s readers. We’ll give it a whirl. If it goes well, we’ll forge ahead and let it grow as a wonderful, convenient place for readers to buy, sell or give away stuff. (This ties in nicely with my sister’s Q&A feature about purging our houses of clutter and unnecessary stuff.)
Did I mention our classifieds are free?
As I write this blog, two readers have posted classifieds; one for you-pick pecans for 50 cents a pound, the other for an $89,500 RV, complete with photos.
Some day this might sound quite charming and funny.
3. Prettier to see, easier to read: Jim Gore, our techie friend and Food for Thought co-founder, gets the glory for enlarging and improving the font. I really like it and can almost read it without my glasses. Also, Jim made other aesthetically pleasing improvements. He transformed the “new” button into a classier, less-spikey word. Speaking of which, from now on, look for new content at the top of the two columns, so you don’t have to scroll down to find it. (If you’re wondering where my son, Joe is, he and his lovely bride Marie are on vacation. He’ll be back to work soon, adding his artistic flair.)
4. National coverage of the local area: This is my current favorite forum topic. It’s so interesting to read how the north state appears in national news stories, whether it’s about Turtle Bay’s scheduled Bodies exhibit, or former Shasta County District Attorney McGregor Scott’s possible presidential appointment, or area hospitals’ ratings or the best north state fishing tournaments.
To allow you to navigate more quickly to this section, Jim added a button on the front page under the “News” category. By the way, for now, this where you’ll also find the classifieds button, which will beam you there directly.
That’s not all. But I don’t want to overwhelm you with too much at once. We must pace ourselves. Stay tuned.
Meanwhile, I hope you had a great weekend. And if you want to pay to pick pecans, or you’re in the market for an RV, I know just the place to find them.
Now, you do, too. I think it’s gonna be good!
