By LOIS KINDLE
lekindle@aol.com
The Observer News has a brand-new look online — same address, fresh design.
“We've made it easier than ever for us to stay connected with each other and for you to stay connected with your community,” said Managing Editor Holly Wagner. “We invite you to visit our newly redesigned website at www.observernews.net/, where you'll find the latest local news, feature stories, community events, obituaries and more in one convenient place. Our updated site is easier to read and navigate across all your devices, whether it’s a computer, tablet or smartphone.”
Some added features bring new interactivity to the site. You can click on the Contact Us tab and send in a story idea, place a classified ad, ask about display advertising or just say hi. The message then goes directly to the appropriate department.
Longtime IT specialist Milton Brown and Managing Editor Holly Wagner teamed up to create a community-friendly website built with local residents in mind.
You can read each week’s entire publication page by page by clicking on the Full Newspaper tab, and then the edition. It’s a great feature in general, but especially for folks who did not receive their paper or readers who aren’t able to receive home delivery.
There’s a new icon menu at the bottom of the screen. Text too small? Just zoom in to the size desired. Have a question about what you see on a page? Add a note. The slideshow of pages can be paused for longer perusal and then resumed — or they can be printed, downloaded or shared from there.
“We went for an updated look and user friendliness,” Wagner said. “Our website now utilizes newer technology for both readers and advertisers. And prime advertising spots are featured and available without intruding on story content. Everything is more functional now, including on your smartphone or tablet.”
Milton Brown, the company’s longtime in-house I.T. and telecom specialist, developed the refreshed website from the ground up — with the community in mind, Wagner said.
“We went through trials and errors until Milton took over the redesign,” Wagner said. “He and I collaborated on what improvements were needed and which reader/advertiser features should be included. We added a QR code to the print version of our papers that takes you right to the website.”
Previously published stories can be found on the Archives tab and searched by keywords, writer’s name, story title, photo caption, specific issue date or range of dates. The migration of old stories is ongoing.
Likewise, obituaries can be searched by name, issue or a range of issues.
Check out the new feature at the top of every opened story. It’s for visually impaired readers or anyone who’d rather just have it read to them. There’s an additional option to download an .mp3 file or change the playback speed.
And scroll to the bottom of the Home page, provide your email address and you’ll get a weekly email of the week’s top stories — plus an interesting bit of South Shore history — sent directly to your inbox. Clicking on the links provided takes you directly to the website.
Stay tuned for some exciting features currently in the planning stages: a monthly photo contest where you can share your favorite pics. Another will involve hidden words or icons you can hunt for, with correct answers entered into a drawing for prizes.
Details will be forthcoming, Wagner said. Discover why The Observer News has been southern Hillsborough County’s trusted source for community news since 1958.
The website’s new look, features and functionality were made with you in mind, so your feedback matters and helps shape what comes next.