I agree that's is more about SEO these days, but I also think that given the fact that not all posts will appear in one list somewhere, an archive may be useful. At least, if nothing else, so I can see everything in one list; searching in the backend of the blog platform isn't as easy as it sounds. Still, I think I found my solution.

My impression is that the site map is more for search engine optimization. But then again, I still don't have one.

@Kelvin, glad you like it! You're the only person to give me feedback on it (outside of my mum, who almost doesn't count), but I'm liking the design more and more. It certainly is more straightforward than the current page layout. Yes, the drop down should work in all browsers, except for IE, because as we all know, IE sucks. Thanks for the get-well-soon, I have finished my course of antibiotics and am feeling much much better. (Thank goodness it wasn't whooping cough though! I feel so much more sorry for Stacey now)

@Kelvin, Yeah it's a bit odd, but then, when have I ever done anything the 'normal' way? You honestly mistook me for a Barbie doll? Hmm, don't know what you were smoking, but it must have been good! Actually the lean-back was annoying me too, I just couldn't get the doll to stand straight, due to the weight of the puppet. In the end, I just decided it wasn't worth fussing over. It's kind of 'artistic' in a way.

Haha, quite an interesting idea. I was looking at the second picture before reading the descriptions and I was thinking, you sure dressed up for this video. But why were you puppeteering while leaning back like that? Wait, since when do you have hair like that? And then, of course, duh.

Looks great! The navigation is a lot better. The drop down menu also works for me (I only use Google Chrome nowadays). Get well soon!

@Philip, I certainly agree that Melbourne is (by anyone's standards) the largest place for any kind of theatre or entertainment. I guess my main issue was always looking at it from a newbie's point of view: it's infinitely easier to find out about how to get into acting, for instance, than how to get into puppetry in Australia. Sure, there is heaps going on around you, but as a wannabe that doesn't mean it's obvious how to get involved. I think part of the issue is also that making contacts and asking questions is great: but again, only if you know someone to ask. One thing I didn't mention in the post was that in 2003/2004 I was busy contacting various puppeteers that I knew, but most were either recommending I go to VCA or didn't have the time (or it seemed, the interest) to respond. There are exceptions of course, such as you, Gary Friedman, and Hilary Talbot. Since then the group's gotten wider. Looking back on what I wrote, I can see much more clearly how insular the perspective was. Part of the trouble now is that things are still pretty insular as I work as a solo business (and greatly need to get a life! J), so things haven’t much changed in that respect. Certainly I don’t denigrate what you and others have done/are doing. I think everyone in Australian puppetry is supremely aware of the difficulties within the art form of getting noticed, as well as being supremely passionate about getting it out there. The dearth of information certainly comes from lack of time, rather than interest or effort. I definitely will keep in contact with you and others, and make more of an effort to do so. (I’ll also add that I am always flattered to see that you read my posts, since I’m a fan of your work and always in awe of what you’ve achieved)

@Rob, Well, I think actually it was a combination of what you wrote and timing of other ideas. It's why I needed time to think them over: I've been having semi-thoughts about it all, but nothing really clear. I guess your comments just focused the lens, so to speak. Having said all that, thanks for the well wishes and comments. I agree - it's all about the journey, not the destination!

I'm glad my post prompted some more thought - although I had no idea I could be so profound... apparently (haha)! Best wishes for where-ever it ends up, and enjoy the ride -- that's the point of it all (methinks). Rob

@Rob, I'm sorry for not replying to this sooner. I read it and needed time to properly digest some thoughts and responses to it. I hope you don't mind, but they were so profound that I needed to actually reply in a blog post (it'll be published tonight probably), because your comments provoked me into coming up with a complete brainstorm of ideas and thoughts. In the meantime, I wanted to say privately that I really appreciate your comments (and compliments!) and to thank you for adding them. They really got me thinking (as you'll see in future posts). I'd love to hear more about the ideas you've got!

Perhaps you're right, it all depends on where you're standing to see the view. Viewed from another perspective, Melbourne has produced the largest puppet show in the world, the most financially successful, employing more puppeteers for longer blah blah blah. Insert publicity gush. Last year we were the largest non-musical touring show in the world. Number four in overall box office for all touring events, (tucked in behind AC/DC, U2 and Bruce Springsteen). Our company has been lobbying to maintain a puppetry course, introduce industry training programs, lobbying government for export development of puppet projects... It depends on your frame of reference when you look at a situation. My original comment on your original article still holds... keep in contact, chat, ask questions. I'm always happy to talk puppetry. Congratulations on maintaining the energy to keep publishing online.

Thanks Kangmas, glad you like them

@Shiloh, if you check out Part two of the 'how to', you'll find the video for the table tennis ball mechanism: http://www.puppetsinmelbourne.com.au/faq.php/2008/03/27/how_to_make_puppet_eyes_blink_part_two. I highly recommend reading the comments and 'part three' as well, as I uncover some problems with the video explanations and they are made clearer within the comments.

You mentioned another plan for blinking eyes involving table tennis balls, do you have or know where can I get those instructions

That is the coolest thing I've seen in a while. It's now my wallpaper.

Your puppets are nice...

@Kelvin, Thanks! Although I think the site (in its original form as a blog on webs.com) started earlier than that. I recently saw my forum signature on a site I've been on for about 10 years, and it definitely had a link to the original PIM site in 2006. It probably started in late '05, early '06. But really, it's so much easier to say 'four', since that goes with the premise of the post ;) Updating constantly isn't that hard (there's really no lack of ideas for content), it's more about setting aside time to do it. More in-depth stuff can take me 6 hours to research; others are simply a matter of formatting. Some - like the post on commissions, or on arcs/scribbles - are instant, as I sit down and write as I get inspired and don't take long to do at all. As for what's next... well, I'm not sure there's a complete answer, but some ideas have been percolating which may satisfy both pleasing myself, and pleasing everyone who enjoys the content. I'll share more of this later in a blog post, but for the time being it's also important to note: finishing the UNIMA site has been really useful. I think I had blinders on, and got so focused on it, it was hard to see anything else. Now at least I can start to move past it (a year is a long time to spend on a single project, especially for me). Anyway, thanks for adding your thoughts. It really does help, especially when very few people actually do interact despite reading the site.

@Nancy, Isn't that what I said? I quote from the first paragraph: "UPDATE 21/05/09: The Puppet Productions business has been bought out by Puppetsinc.com. The new owners have reportedly (this is taken from the Puppet Prod. website) obtained the copyrights and ownership of all of the puppets made by PP." And the last paragraph: " just went to the website to make sure the URL was correct, and yes, they are out of business folks!"

Puppetsinc.com has quality puppets and the stages Puppet Productions used to sell. Puppet Productions did, in fact, go bankrupt.

First, congrats on the four year anniversary. Many websites (I am talking about one-man operations, not big companies) don't last that long, especially with constant updates. That said, you have something to think about in terms of what to do next. I hope you eventually reach an answer that you are satisfied with!