We optimised some of the Vrinne code to make it a little bit more search engine friendly.  Also, we would like to mention that work has finally restarted on the next version of Vrinne.  We will keep members up to date and post a link to the beta site once it is ready for testing.

Please let us know what features you would like to see while we develop the new version.

Thank you to the members that have been reporting spammers.  We investigate every member that you report to us, and if we find that they are really spammers, we remove the account.  There has been an increasing number of “fake” accounts.  We are working on redesigning Vrinne, abnd will definately take better care of these issues in the redesign.  In the mean time, please be patient, and report spammers.

I have noticed an increase in “fake” accounts registering and then giving their email address in a message to you.  I dont think members are affected that much, but because I am automatically a friend, i tend to get all of these messages.

I am working on a way to fix this problem, and hopefully with the next version we can get rid of this.

I have mentioned before that Vrinne is getting a face lift with MANY new features. The idea is to compete with major social networks. With the new version we would also be able to “lock out” members that do not comply to the Terms of Service.

I have been working hard on this new update and a sneek preview can be found at www.vrinne.com/vrinne3/index.php5
Note: This site will only work with Opera 9+, Internet Explorer 7+, Firefox 2+, and Safari 3+

Please send me any comments or suggestions either on Vrinne or as a comment on here.

I have briefly mentioned in the newsletter that I am considering a redesign for Vrinne.  The core concepts will stay the same, however I want Vrinne to be a little more professional, yet fun at the same time.  I am considering implementing similair features that some of the leading Social Networks have.  I will post more about all of my plans later, and will maybe even set a poll for Vrinne to vote what they want.

We have had an issue with a spammer or two,  and this will be something that I will consider in the next design.  I am going to implement a “flood” control and also a “lockout” function.  Many members may not have experienced this issue becuase you have to accept a friend first before you can contact that person.  This is think was very helpfull in dealing with the little problem we had a month or so ago.

I am juggling Vrinne, a 70 hour work week, and a college education at the same time, so please bear with me… Vrinne does not generate an income, at all, so my focus is a little more on that crazy work week!

Thank you for coming back to Vrinne… I hope to make the experience a lot nicer and have Vrinne grow in size quickly.

As you know, Vrinne is completely free.  I am not making a cent from this project, in fact, I am putting lots of time and money into it.  The least I could ask from you is to send invites to all of the South Africans you know.

Lets get Vrinne growing.

If we get more members I will add more features and will resdesign parts of the website.

I have been very busy the last few months (two jobs and College) and have not been able to make major changes to Vrinne.  Things are slowly settling down and it will allow for time to roll out new features.  I am curious as to what feature members would like to see, so if you have any suggestions, please send me a message.

The Groups and Profile page features are currently being worked on.

Wayne

You can report a member for unwanted behaviour (chain letters, threats, mass mail, etc.) by clicking on Manage my Friends and then by clicking on the Report this Member on their profile icon.  All reported members will be investigated, sent a warning message, and possibly be suspended.  Please do not send fake reports however.

As a reminder, please be aware that your account can and will be deleted if you violate the Vrinne Terms of Service.  You are not allowed to send your personal contact details, mass mail, or advertisements.  I had to delete an account for violating these terms.  If you have a friend request from Christelle Adams, please ignore it.

I am currently working on the “groups” feature for Vrinne.  I am looking for about 5 members to help with testing this new feature while it is being worked on.  Please send me (Wayne) a message from your Vrinne account if you are interested.