The past week in Vdubber land :)

Well, This week I've been continuing with getting the site up and running. The basics are all there so I'm now concentrating on fixing up the niceties.

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One of the things that I've been sorting out is removing the software branding from the site - this basically involves paying a fee and installing an 'ad-free' version of the software. After trialling the software for a few weeks now I've decided that it's good enough as a base and is worth investing some money in. Removing the branding is good for a number of reasons - Firstly, the Vdubber branding should be prominent - it's our site after all - why should we have other logo's stuck all over the place - The second is the removal of the ad banners from the bottom of the chat window, shoutbox and music players (and anywhere else it appears). The banners are on some kind of affiliates exchange program which means potentially that banners could pop up for all kinds of sites. This could be a right PITA when you consider that there are a LOT of adult 'dating' sites that use this software, and who knows what they might have in thier adverts :O

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You will probably have noticed the merchandise store is now up and running as well. I have created a number of tees / tops with the 'Von Dubber' logo. Currently I'm not sure if I will adopt the logo as the logo for the site, It's obviously quite a catchy logo - but then only to those who are familiar with Von Duffer or the spin-off clothing label. The prices are pretty much set by zazzle - the people who host the store and do the printing and distribution - the markup can be changed, but the darker coloured garments and some of the 'non-basic' products are pretty expensive to start with. This is the reason that some garments appear to be a LOT more than others. I've ordered myself aplain white basic tee to check out the quality.

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So talking of site design, the site is currently based on a 'vanilla' template - basically a stock unmodified template - there will be a redesign on the horizon prior to the official launch, but for the time being I want to concentrate on getting the functionality sorted out and worry about prettyfying it it later.

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This week has also seen a new group emerge - 'Formula Vee Racers' The group is hosted by Asher Johnston who is currently competing in the Formula Vee championships in a brand new GAC chassied car. Asher has a successful history in racing in various cars and classes ranging from karts and super carts through to Formula Ford. Asher is returning to Formula Vee this year after taking some time out from Formula Ford. The team is self funded and after seeing the car at the recent day of the VW in Glenelg I can say that it is a credit to Asher and the rest of his family run team.

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When the current round of mods and tweaking to the site has been finished we will be starting up a regular editorial feature, Ash and the team are one of the first features, so watch this space. If you want to see more about Ash, thier car or past racing history, or want to fund the team as a sponsor, be sure to go check out thier web site - http://www.asherjohnston.com.au or maybe stop by and say 'hi' at the Formula Vee Racers group. I wish them all the best and look forward to seeing Ash on the podium this year.