This being the deadest week of the year save the one between Christmas and New Year’s, we’re going to take the opportunity to start unpacking after our move last week. As a result, all we’re going to serve up this week are the morning links to give you something to chew on. That, and one discussion question.

As we start to approach our one-year anniversary in October, we think it would be a good time to solicit feedback about the site. We’re happy to hear any criticism as long as it’s given in a respectful tone, so please let us know what you like about Brownstoner and what you don’t as well as ideas for new features or services you’d like to see in the months ahead.

Thanks,

Brownstoner


What's Your Take? Leave a Comment

  1. I agree with the suggestion to append new posts to the bottom of the page.

    I participate in a forum on another subject where those who post are requred to use their real names. It’s remarkable how civil the tone is. I suggest requiring people to say who they are in order to post. Otherwise this blog may become more like the yahoo boards. (blech!)

  2. Brownstoner, I noticed all the comments go from bottom to top except the reno blog comments which are the reverse. Why is that? Can you make them all that way? (Most recent at the bottom)… Sorry if someone pointed this out already.

  3. Fonts: to make it easier on your eyes, you can increase in the font size:

    In mozilla/firefox: ctrl + / ctrl –

    In IE: with a wheel mouse, hold down ctrl and scroll the mouse wheel. Or View->Text Size->Larger

  4. One of the many things I like about your site is the passion. You can tell from the comments and posts there is a core following of ‘stoners’.
    What you may be documenting is not only the process of renovating a brownstone, but also the evolution of a neighborhood, with all its trials and tribulations. As for the function of your site, an accessible directory of local services, supply houses, contractors, architects, and other trades people with some kind of rating/feedback area would be great.

  5. I think the last post is exactly what this site does NOT need more of. Getting tired of every thread being about the “damage” of gentrification. This site is great and informative and having discussions regarding how gentrification is damaging brownstone Brooklyn is not what I think most people come to this site for. Most gentrifiers got priced out of other nabes just as the residents who’ve been here for the past 60 or 70 years might get priced out now.

  6. This site is certainly informative, regarding both the techniques of renovation and the mindset of renovators. But it is shocking that a group of passionate and knowledgeable Brooklynites seem absolutely incapable of recognizing the damage that gentrification brings to established communities in the borough. Displacement is real–it is painful for those being displaced and is directly caused by many of the practices taught and discussed at Brownstoner.com.

    If this website needs anything, it is some sort of recognition that there are social consequences to urban middle- and upper-class consumption.

  7. i like BS and suggest keeping it simple like it is. i’ll echo the sentiment that other blogs like Curbed have gone downhill but BS remains excellent and focused.

    but yeah, could the comments go from top to bottom? i get confused every time.