After several weeks of work, we’ve launched our redesigned Web site with you, the reader, in mind. The idea is to make flatheadbeacon.com easier to navigate, more visual and with the capability to better showcase both our staffers and commentators.
First, instead of all of our latest stories showing up in the “Latest Headlines” box, the Beacon staff will choose which stories belong on the “Front Page.” The stories will also be more clearly marked (as in business, politics, commentary, etc.) to help you decide whether they’re worth your time to read.
Secondly, our featured stories will now move across the top of the page. So, those of you who visit the site periodically will immediately see the stories that we think matter most.
A big change is the blog section. Instead of hosting one blog that was home to a variety of topics, we have launched four separate topic-oriented blogs. Myers Reece, who is obsessed with sports and statistics, will host a sports blog. Lido Vizzutti, our photographer, will blog about his field and highlight your work. Keriann Lynch has the most wide-ranging blog, which will include the latest news on upcoming events, new businesses and other tidbits. Dan and I, both political junkies, will host a blog solely focused on Montana politics.
The “News Buffet” and popular “Police Blotter” will be updated regularly, but are now located in the Beacon Blog section halfway down the home page.
Our readers will now see their comments, both “most” and “recent,” on the home page. We will also host an online poll, updated regularly to gauge your thoughts on the news of the day. Elements will continually be added to the site in the coming days and weeks. If you have any suggestions, please e-mail me at [email protected]