Nature Network is now three months old. I’m told that’s about the stage when infants begin to develop a broad smile. The Nature Network team have cartainly been smiling lately thanks to a steady rise in visitor numbers, plenty of discussion on the blogs and certain forums, and heaps of helpful feedback. And we are certainly acting on that feedback.

The site has changed in many ways since its launch in February. Up to now, we’ve been, well, changing nappies – sorting out bugs and making minor improvements to existing features. For example, you may have noticed that publications can now be added by simply pasting in a doi. We’ve also improved the search facility across the site. If you really wanted me to, I could list several hundred other small fixes that have made the Network easier to use.

Now, we’re about to leave the cradle and get Nature Network some shiny new toys. I don’t want to get into specifics; plans can change as development progresses. Suffice it to say that we’re working on the following over the next month or so:

• A personal messaging system, to make it easier to contact other people on the Network.

• A much simpler and quicker registration process.

• A more intuitive events calendar.

• Optional email alerts, so you don’t have to keep checking the site to know when a forum you’re following has been commented on.

And that’s still just a start. With new releases every couple of weeks, you can expect Nature Network to grow in capabilities very quickly. If you’ve any feedback, feel free to add it here, or use the what’s next forum. Or email me personally using the address in my profile.