This edition is stepping away from my direct spiritual work and instead giving you some updates for the forthcoming new website. This is the biggest project I have ever taken on and, oh boy, it’s hard going!
Let me get the negative stuff out of the way first. As you may have already experienced, there are some temporary changes to the schedule. I was already working every hour possible to produce the weekly editions, so I had to make time for the new website work.
The website is being constructed from the ground up. Every single line of code, every element, every feature, has to work properly and across all devices. That is quite a task, let me tell you. Although my main model is based on the site being viewed on a laptop or PC, I’m also working on what is termed as ‘responsive’ viewing. In other words, the basics of a page or section must react to the screen being used to view it. One page therefore means three pages to build - laptop, tablet, smartphone.
Some people might have thought that when I announced the new site and suggested it would take all of this year to produce, I was being slow in stretching it that long. Well, I’m around eight weeks into the project and I can tell you that to fully complete the website this year still remains a challenge. That said, progress is on track to the greater part.
Here’s Where I’m Up To
The skeleton structure is in place and currently undergoing testing in-house. The main sections (categories), indexing pages (archives) and posts (pages) are designed and working.
The new Envoy’s membership system is installed and believed to be working (though still being tested).
What I Need From You Please
ONE: Please do not add more funds for subscriptions on the current site. (https://theinspiredspirit.substack.com). If your subscription runs out before the new website is ready, drop me an email and I’ll give you free access until we’re ready.
TWO: Please do not subscribe for membership on the new website just yet. It is still being debugged and may not work properly. Wait until I’m more confident it works. The new Envoy sections, such as the WFSIW section is member protected and may not be visible just yet. In a few weeks, I’ll invite you to subscribe to become an envoy, when I know it’s working properly.
THREE: If you choose to explore the new website, (link below), remember that this is being worked on throughout. There are design and mechanical faults yet to be ironed. out. The main front page is a holding page and will be changed to the proper front page, currently being held back. That said, if you think there is a blatant error that you need to bring to my attention, use the site’s contact form to let me know.
Obstacles Ahead
I have a major issue with the current Substack platform. Although I can export the contents, and have already done so, the exported files are useless on the new platform. This means that every single new page on the new website has to be constructed by hand. A long and time consuming process when you consider there are nearly 300 episodes in total to recreate.
The same is true of the podcasts. Although I have all the original audio files, each page has to be recreated and the appropriate audios added. Ideally, every podcast episode needs re-editing to remove any original promotions within, but this is extremely time consuming and will have to wait until the project is complete.
The original Spirited Talk website was exported before I closed the account some six months ago. But, in doing so, I made an error that has come back to bite me. The archive file is 26gb in size and cannot be imported into the new website. Worse still, the archive is locked in a platform format that I cannot access. This means I have all the original content of the website, but I cannot access it! Most of the main files are available on my own systems, so all is not lost.
The Future Is Coming Closer
In July 2024, I do intend to cut back on all of my online work. My ROI (return on investment) has been terrible and it’s time to reduce the time I put into this side of my life. Hence the new website!
This exciting website will be the main home for everything I’ve produced for online work. If and when I cross to the Everland, all Jane will have to do is renew the hosting fee every year!
FAQs
Do I intend to continue offering new content to the various sections, including TIS and WFSIW?
Absolutely yes. There will be no planned schedules and content will be produced as and when I can.
Will emails still be used to notify subscribers?
No this is not planned. The onus will be on the Envoy to visit the website for updates and new publications.
Will the Facebook group continue after the new site is complete?
I don’t know. The group is ineffective at the moment and doesn’t really serve much purpose, other than to promote my wares. As it stands at this moment in time, I would prefer to close the group - one less negative headache for me to worry about. But, if activity were to increase from Envoys and members of the group, then it would stay open. Facebook has changed and has become less popular with people. It certainly doesn’t work for me! I have a distant plan to possibly add a chat forum to the new site.
Will I continue to need funding for this project?
Yes. Over the years, I’ve exhausted my business account of all funds for this online work. As I mentioned above, my ROI has been terrible and funds are constantly needed to maintain everything. Currently some of the expenses are being paid for in part by the few subscribers and topped up with money from our house funds. As such, I’ve never had an income from this project.
After retirement, will I be continuing with my work with spirit?
Yes of course. This is a way of life for me and with or without an online presence, I am a medium and will always be so. I will continue to educate myself within the work, do readings for private clients, and attend public events when I choose.
What will happen to the content on the current Substack platform?
As the content is introduced to the new website, it will be removed from Substack. Eventually, there will be nothing left there and the account will be closed!
What is the new website address and can you visit it?
The address is https://psychictrev.co.uk
Thank you for indulging me for this special edition. I don’t intend to do these sorts of announcements regularly, I just wanted you to be ‘in the loop’ as they say. Don’t forget, there will be a new contact form on the new website where you can share any thoughts, suggestions or let me know of bugs you come across. As I write this, I don’t yet have a link to it, but it should be there by the time you read this.
Wow! Sounds like you've taken on a massive Project Trevor! Very best wishes for it all coming together nicely for you. Good Luck 🤞 🍀🙏💜✝️
Thank you for this shared update. Good luck with it all. 😊