Effective today, AFANA.com sports a new look and easier to use interface. The new design is expected to be more compatible with a wider range of browsers, monitors, and operating systems and be more straightforward to use. Key to the interface is that most of places you might want to go on the site are all on the drop down menus (as well as some of the traditional places). The color scheme is brighter and the sidebars have both moved to the right side where you can find the links to recent stories, comments, blogs, and news from around the web. User specific menu items and the TV schedule summary (downloadable from Google Calendars) are still right where you would expect them. This completes the last major step in an upgrade process that began in December, 2007.
Questions or problems should be submitted via the Feedback links.
As a reminder, AFANA has launched a drive for donations along with a new series of donation levels to replace the previous membership options. Fans can support AFANA by following our "Donate To AFANA" link at the top right of every page and choosing one of the different donation choices we have. All of the levels are accompanied by different premiums including a newly designed tee shirt and bumper sticker (designs still being finalized).
The support of fans is critical to the ability of AFANA to provide services to fans including this web site and television schedules. Funds are also used in our work with the AFL and TV networks to promote Australian football in the USA and Canada. Recently the web site has seen record levels of visitor traffic and increased visibility in search engines. AFANA is an entirely self supporting organization and does not receive any direct financial support from the AFL.
Funds raised by the donation will be used to fund the on-going operations of AFANA, to pay off debt, and to assist in new promotional projects currently in development. According to Rob de Santos, Chairman, the organization "has seen significant growth over the past several seasons". He added: "We have tremendous opportunities on the horizon to grow the sport in North America and a strong team in place to make that happen but we need the support of fans both financially and as volunteers.." The donation drive will continue for an indefinite period with further options planned.
