Preface: If you haven't read Mike D's article from a week ago, I highly recommend it. I think it says much of what I'm about to write better than I will. Let's just start with a quote from it:

We want to get from an expanded beta to full release as quickly as possible, but we're not communicating an exact date until we get a little closer to the finish line. It's challenging running two completely different versions of the site at the same time, so we want to flip the switch as badly as you probably do.

Bolding mine. Part of me desperately wants to write, 'Please be patient.' But Newsviners who have been around a while have been patient. [I've been here almost 4 years. I have wanted the frontpage to change for 3 of them.] One thing that makes Newsvine wonderful is that we're collectively very curious and speculative. It'd be unreasonable to expect everyone to simply pay no attention to the administrators and hundred or so of your fellow Viners behind the curtain.

But what I would ask is that you keep in mind that this isn't a freight train of inimitable forward motion - if it were, we wouldn't be releasing it to some of you, testing it, and keeping Luke and the others in the office until the wee hours.

Some beta users have urged me to write an article to let everyone know what's going on. Unfortunately, I can't do that. The New Newsvine's design and features won't stay static - hence the Beta. We can barely let 100 people know what's going on!

What I can do is let you know that we're working hard, we're changing a lot, and when it's ready, we'll give you ample time and warning and guidance in transitioning - before that proverbial switch is flipped.

I can try to allay concerns about abandonment or division by reminding you that Newsvine is Newsviners. We're nothing without you. We're trying to build a site that you deserve and like.

We'll do it as fast as we can.

Comments are on, but note, I can't do Q&A.