FirstVoices editing pause and data migration

Created by Clarissa Forbes
Last updated: Aug 21, 2023
3 min read

The FirstVoices development team has been working hard on the new release, which prepares for the launch of FirstVoices 3.0. All new updates have been prompted by the hard-working Language Teams and community members, whose valuable feedback, ideas and suggestions have been crucial in making FirstVoices a better platform.

If you have questions about any of the updates listed below, or have ideas for ways to improve FirstVoices, please contact us at: hello@firstvoices.com

 

 

Editing pause and data migration

In preparation for the new FirstVoices 3.0, our development team will be migrating FirstVoices data to a new database. In order to support the migration, editing on FirstVoices.com will be paused.

The old version of FirstVoices will be closed to editing starting August 21.

What features will be paused during this time?

  • Team members will not be able to add new content or drafts (words, phrases, songs, stories, media)

  • Team members will not be able to edit content (words, phrases, songs, stories, media)

  • Administrators will not be able to edit their site settings or homepage

  • The beta release of the new FirstVoices (links beginning with v2.) will be archived

What features will continue to work normally?

  • The old version of FirstVoices will still be available for anyone to publicly access and view as usual

  • All users will be able to login and view content at their existing access level

  • Language Administrators will still be able to access Reports

  • Visitors will still be able to make FirstVoices accounts and request membership to language sites

  • Language Administrators will still be able to see and approve membership requests

Why is this happening?

FirstVoices is moving to a new database system that provides our development team with improved security controls and ability to troubleshoot server errors. The new system will also provide the team with finer control over internal data structures, allowing us to make faster and more holistic website updates.

In order for us to migrate all data into the new system, we must be able to collect ALL data in the old system in one go. Editing is being paused to make sure that we can collect ALL your data and changes, without missing anything.

When will editing resume?

You will be able to edit your content on the new FirstVoices 3.0 website as soon as it launches. Check your email for an invitation to login to the new website, starting in early September.

FirstVoices staff recognizes that this may disrupt your existing work, and we apologize for the inconvenience this causes. We encourage you to use this period to record with Elders, edit audio recordings, review your workplans, or take a well-earned breather in preparation for September.

 

Upcoming FirstVoices 3.0

Everyone get ready! The new version of FirstVoices is going to be released very soon!

The new FirstVoices update includes:

  • A brand new look and feel for the FirstVoices website

  • A new Dashboard area for Language Teams to edit their content

  • A brand new database and APIs behind the scenes

The new FirstVoices website will be available for Language Teams to access starting this September!

Check your email in September for an invitation and login link.

After the initial training period, the new FirstVoices website will launch for everyone later this year.