The revamped version of the IceRed.com Web site should go live soon. The only thing holding it up are technical difficulties with the process of transferring data to the site's new system. Chief executive Tim Lam said the Web site was completed some time ago and his staff were transferring messages to the new site. 'The database architecture is completely different; we are having difficulty converting all the files. I do expect to open to the public soon,' he said. Mr Lam revealed last month that IceRed would only allow people who are registered members to post in the discussion forums. Until now, users have been able to post with almost complete anonymity. While the old policy allowed people to freely express themselves without fear of repercussions, it also encouraged personal attacks and libellous messages. He said the changes intended to clean up the quality of the discussion forums by making people more accountable for what they say. The identity of registered users will be confirmed by return e-mail. The site, one of the most popular of its type in Hong Kong, attracts 300,000 unique users each month. The site ran a pop-up notice informing users of the changes, saying they would take place 'next week', for several weeks, but this has now stopped. A preview of the new site by the South China Morning Post revealed a complete redesign and a new look. Along with the familiar Hong Kong and Singapore 'work, play' and 'school' sections, there is a new 'global village', which includes forums for dating, travel and sports. The test site is better organised than the original, allowing for faster navigation. The new site also contains a 1,600-word legal disclaimer and warnings that users who made libellous postings could have their identity revealed in the event of a court order being obtained by a third party.
