We are happy to report that work has begun since some time back on developing TSR version 8. The main objectives with the new site are:

Embrace modern technologies
We will use CSS3, HTML5 and Javascript to enhance the visual feel of the site while at the same time making it faster, smoother and more convenient to use. Transparency and subtle graphical effects without using images or flash are just a few features we will use.

Put focus on content
With larger preview images and less "clutter". This involves cleaning up the overall navigation of the site with a minimalistic top menu. We also have a brand new frontpage layout (see picture) and a new clean/modern look and feel to the standard content pages throughout.

Improved minisites
The minisite structure will be redesigned to allow for better customization (background patterns, fonts etc) and more personalization (less intrusive TSR menu). This time you will be able to make your minisite feel more yours and less ours. With our social network integration you will also be able to have live Twitter and Facebook feeds on your minisite index.

Section hubs/index pages
There will be index pages for each major section of the site, such as the download pages (sims 1, 2 and 3) and community page. By having section hubs we can more easily promote a lot of content without messing up the frontpage.

Improved reliability and stability
Hosting as we know it has evolved a lot the last few years with cloud hosting as a prime example. Testing has already begun to improve our site infrastructure and move the resource heavy parts (such as images) of the site into "the cloud".

Social Networking built in
We believe the future of the web goes hand in hand with social networking. We are integrating Facebook, Twitter and other social networks into your minisites and your account. You can sign in with any of your social network accounts and even sign up with one of them (for new users). Promotion of content will be easy to use and streamlined, making it a natural part of using the site both when submitting and downloading.

Those are just a few of the ideas we have in mind. But wait there's more - we want YOUR input as well! What features would you like to see on TSR v8? Toplists, Fansites, Weekly competitions - let us know! The top 3 suggestions will be awarded a free 12 month subscription upon the release of version 8 (currently estimated at spring 2011).

Leave your feedback in this thread here: http://forums.thesimsresource.com/showthread.php?t=386250

New index preview

This image illustrates the new index layout (a work in progress) and includes several of the new site elements. Note that this is a screenshot taken from a live page, not a Photoshop mockup.