In brief, here is what is going to happen over the next few months.
1- Some manufacturing will now be done through iTead.
Some of the smaller boards (1590A and B variety) will be transitioning over to iTead from my regular manufacturer over the next 6 months. There are two reasons: it is a bit cheaper and I can get different color soldermask MUCH cheaper. This means I will be able to order about twice as many boards when I restock so the store stays full up more regularly.
2 - The website will be re-designed.
To coincide with the 5th anniversary of madbeanpedals as a DIY resource, the website is going to get an overhaul. Some of the dusty pages will go away and lots of new features will be added. We'll have a DIY section and a store section. There will be member-submitted tutorials. There will be a media page for video and audio demos. I'd like to add member profiles on the main site for those that want one. Not sure how to do this, though.
3 - The "etcher's paradise" will launch with the site re-design.
The numbers keep creeping up, but I will definitely cut it off at 175 etching projects. I'm pretty close to that number now. I'm hoping the site re-design/etching projects will launch by late February. Ultimately, my goal is to put MBP at the forefront of DIY pedal building...not just as a place to buy PCBs. I think these projects will help accomplish that goal.
4 - There will be a chance for non-etchers to get their hands on the new etching projects.
Some will be available through OSH Park Shared Projects. Some will become regular store products. And some will be available from Haberdasher. We're working out those details.
5 - There will be lots of new store (fabbed) projects.
Priority #1 is the EHX stuff I've been working on, and esp. the Attack Decay. I know lots of peeps are waiting for that. I have about 15 fabbed projects nearly completed so there is plenty to choose from. We are still going to do sub-mini tube projects, too. I expect that will happen more toward the middle/2nd half of the year. I can't answer specific questions about what will be released when at this time....because I don't know yet. But, I am aware of which projects people are waiting on so I will be making those the priority.
6 - There may be other store products for customers besides PCBs in the future.
Not much to say on this yet, but it is something I'm considering.
7 - Contests are still going to happen, but differently.
The contests will no longer be every month. I haven't done a great job managing them and that is frustrating for everyone. Instead, we are going to do quarterly contests and there will be participation from some other devs on here. We're working out the details so I will have an announcement within another week or so.
As always, suggestions and feedback is welcome. Mostly, I am looking forward to another great year with the members here. Your enthusiasm and presence here is really rewarding to me, and I don't mean just financially. It is part of who I am, and I thank all of you for that!
