Of all the comments we have received regarding our new online registration system, there was one reoccurring remark that I wanted to directly address. It was one that generally followed along these lines: “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.” Because we saw it many times, it told us that there were several users who did not understand why we would replace an online registration system that on its face has served us well for many years.
Why did we feel the need to change out the old online registration system?
- Security– We take the security of your data very seriously. When I purchased Road, I hired a team of highly qualified IT/Programming and Security professionals to implement some security patches on the software. They told me, at that point in time, that the old system was secure, but that they recommended designing a new system to meet our long-term goals and flexibility regarding ongoing and ever-changing security patches.
- User Interface (Experience) – We had received multiple complaints in the past from our attendees saying that the old system did not work on touch devices. Given that the web traffic on our standard website (road2ca.com) is over 40% mobile devices, we needed to create a system that would be touch-interface friendly.
In other words, think of trying to merge onto a crowded freeway that is at a standstill. You can’t go anywhere and you’re extremely frustrated but once the flow of traffic improves, you are able to navigate to your final destination. What happened that Saturday morning was similar to a crowded freeway, except the server was taking who clicked first at that particular point in time, not who was first in line like on a busy freeway.
To put our situation in perspective, Amazon also experienced this kind of problem on their Prime Day. It’snot an excuse, but if a multi-billion dollar company like Amazon can have these issues – anyone (like Road) can too.
We learned a lot through this experience. Ever since, our developer has been inserting additional code into the new online registraton system to speed it up and make the process smoother. We also have appreciated the additional suggestions we’ve been receiving from our users and are attempting to include many of them in future releases of the software.
The bottom line is, our new online registration system is better than ever before to serve you. More positive changes are planned in other areas to continue to enhance your Road experience. We are grateful for all our valued customers and their enthusiasm for Road 2019. It’s going to be an amazing show.
Matt Reese
Owner
Road to California]]>
Tags: Amazon Prime Day, Computer Security, Mobile Device Registration, Online Registration System, Quilt Show, Road to California Quilt Show
Hi Matt: Quilters are normally a patient lot, excuse us if some were not. We are all looking forward to another wonderful show. Although I used to be local, I’m traveling from Delaware again next year and will continue until I’m old and feeble. Thank you for keeping Road going after Grandma retired.
Safe travels from Delaware!!!
Hi Matt. I have this experience with similar systems that have a lot less people accessing them! Sometimes I think it would be better to go back to any earlier start to “spreed the traffic out” but … It’s a computer! Take care see you in January. Roberta
Thanks Roberta for sharing your thoughts.
Thanks for caring enough to offer an explanation! Must be very exciting for Road to have so many want to register for classes & events. So happy that my daughter & I were able to register in the class we want to take together! I also would like to comment that we love your new website ~ beautiful & so user friendly. We look forward to attending Road in Jan 2019!
Thanks for your feedback!!! We’ll look forward to seeing you and your daughter in January.
I thought your new registration system was great. I did have some difficulties tho. I was traveling on a motor coach from Bend OR to the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show. So dealing with the internet connections dropping a lot was a but frustrating. But I got the classes I wanted. See you in Jan. 2019. Give your IT people a thumbs up!
Glad you got the classes you wanted!! See you in January.
thank-you for explaining this. it helps to understand a change in many places. some day I will make it out to your show
You are welcome. We hope you can come to the show some day too!!
Thanks for taking the time to explain the problems as many were concerned.
We knew there was a lot of misinformation out there. We appreciate your support!!
Thanks for keeping us informed, Matt. It’s a daunting task to keep us quilters safe, secure AND happy! Looking forward to Road.
We are too!! Thanks for understanding.
I appreciate this explanation. I am more Willing to be patient when I know what is happening. Keep up the good work look forward to seeing you at Road
Thanks for your support!!!
I too had problems registering. It would not take my payment.
Another issue I would love to see changed is that I could enter more than 1 in the class. I pay for my grand daughter. Sister and daughter in law. We love taking classes together.
Thx so much for your great phone service. They helped me sort through it.
Love Road!
Quilter from Lake Elsinore
Thanks for your comments