New Features

We've documented the major changes between the old CR4 and the new one (released September 13, 2006).

Forums:

• NO MORE HTML CODING!!!!: There is now a simple editor that makes it so you no longer have to know HTML to make a post or comment.
• Link insertion: URL links can be inserted using the new editor. You do not need to know HTML.
• Picture insertion: You can now include pictures in posts and comments.
• Editing: If you notice a mistake in your posts or comments, you can fix them within 15 minutes of submitting. This is still no replacement for properly proofreading your work beforehand, though.

Avatars

You can now personalize your profile with an image that will appear with all of your posts. You can upload your own image or select from our collection of over 200 avatars.

Tagging

We've added the ability for members to add "tags" to forum threads and blog entries. Our version of tags is a little different than what you may have seen... we've defined two kinds of tags: User tags (which anyone can make), and Pathfinder tags (which the author makes).

Pathfinder tags are similar to keywords. They can be added to a post to detail important topics and allow other users to find your information more easily. Pathfinder tags may be added by the poster of the entry when the entry is first posted, and in extraordinary circumstances, by the CR4 administration team.

User tags are created by registered users so that they can find and organize content on CR4 for themselves. User tags are visible to the general public, but do not have the prominence of pathfinder tags. Tagged items can be tracked and modified through your user profile.

Private Messaging

Private messaging allows registered users to engage in discussions that are not accessible by the greater community. Private messaging is similar to emailing, but all you need to send the message is a username. This is a great resource for users who find their communication within a discussion deviating from the main point, or who would prefer to keep their discussion private. Users do not need to exchange email addresses, so these discussions can be carried on anonymously, away from one's real world identity, if desired.

Major Improvements

Expanded Sections

Many of the sections have changed or expanded. They also now contain blogs and forums.

Daily Digest

The Daily Digest has been updated to include graphics and a more interesting, easier to read format. It still contains the same synopsis and still comes out once a day.

RSS - More Feeds

Each section now has its own RSS feed, as do many of the CR4 blogs. This means that you can select just the feeds you want without having to wade through every post.

Blogs

We have abandoned the old journal format and designed more appealing blog formats. We have also given them a higher profile on the site. We plan to limit the number of blogs for the short term as we adjust to the new technology. If you would like to be one of our first test bloggers, please contact the CR4 admin by using the "Send a 'blog request' to us" link in your profile. Let the administrators know what you'd like to write about and your experience / expertise in the field. They will evaluate your proposal by studying your user rank, previous postings, and the work in your biography to see if you fit the CR4 blogger mold.

Note: If you had a journal on the old CR4, your content has been mailed to you and you will be able to find it in your CR4 mailbox.