VE in 2012

A snap-shot of where we are at in 2012:

* VE turns 5!

* April-June the site will undergo its third major software overhaul. This includes a change in the look and layout. Support from members in the form of feedback/input and testing new stuff is welcomed.

* Following the success of VE's Berg trip last year, we will endeavour to organise these ongoingly. It needn't be limited to the Berg, since the Magaliesberg is a good option too. I've particularly enjoyed meeting members "out there" and trust this will continue in 2012.

* The Pine Tree Project is a long-term commitment which we will continue to nurture. I believe over a period of 5-10 years our persistent (albeit slow) efforts will pay off and awareness and participation will spread.

* Annual threads such as Snow Watch, Dragon's Wrath and Berg Alert are well established and will continue. Our Featured Berg Images competitions, currently running on a 3-month cycle, have produced some good quality images. The possibility exists to introduce some tangible prizes such as gear.

* It will be a critical year for the wiki as I will set a deadline at the end of the year for it to reach its critical mass. If the idea does not take off by then the project will be canned. Its an idea which has potential but requires lots of time. It provides an avenue of expression for more formal articles which may be a little out of place in blog-format, and for reference material such as: a guide for visiting the Amphitheatre via the Chain Ladders (addressing all the questions frequently asked on the forums), a guide to the Berg for overseas visitors, a guide for popular hikes such as the Bell Traverse and the Grand Traverse. If you would like to write some of this material then let me know. Remember that the wiki can have a collaborative feature in that others can add to what you have written.

* We will continue looking at getting more gear talk and reviews going. Hopefully we can get some gear manufacturers on board and actually interact with us on the forum. This could also provide more opportunities for people to test gear and get it as prizes etc.

Here is to a fruitful 2012 for VE and members!

Appreciate the comments guys. The nature of the forums is also due to everyone who makes it what it is, so thanks to all members. Lets keep it up

@ghaz: yes, origin of names is a good one for the wiki. Some of this can be thrashed out in the forums, from which a tidy description or summary can then be recorded in the wiki. Reminds me that some of the earlier Berg pioneers are still alive, and I'm sure they have some valuable knowledge of some of the origins and we should glean this from them while they are still with us. The hungry and well-fed dog names are a reflection on the success of historic hunting in those areas, as I understand it. Remember a recent forum chat on where more wildlife can be seen? Seems to still hold true.

Quick little update on some of the goals mentioned at the start of this thread. The third major overhaul of this site is still due and hasn't happened. I am hoping to focus more on this in Jan 2013, which is several months beyond the planned date, but rest assured that this will still happen. Some may also have noticed that I shut the Wiki down some time ago. It simply proved too much to maintain at the time, both software and content wise. I believe this idea still has potential and will revive the project again at a more opportune time.

Personally I have had other demands on my time and energy of the last few months and haven't been involved on the forums as much as I would have liked. Be assured though that a watchful eye is always kept on the activities of this site, and that things are very much geared towards a sustainable and long-term approach to ensure that this community and knowledge-base continues to thrive well into the future, even if it's admins go through their own busy periods.