Notice anything different in The Icon home page? Look closely. We've created some fine-tuning, which makes things easier for viewers.
First, we've expanded the list of stories posted (check out the top, right-hand corner). Previously we listed the six most recent stories posted. Now there are 12 listed. Also, if you wish to check out the 10 most recent stories with relative ease, click the link at the bottom of the 12 stories. That link will reveal the 10 most recent stories and you may view them in one fell swoop, so to speak.
Our photo gallery now has "featured photos" listed with the most recent photo at the top. Previously these photos were listed alphabetically by their headline. Hey, how were we to know that didn't make sense?
Later this week all the 2009 photos will be saved in a 2009 photo folder. We'll start over with 2010, making it easier to follow our photo gallery.
By the way, every photo featured at the top of the home page automatically goes to the "featured photo" link after a new photo is posted. So, no photo ever disappears from The Icon. Everything is archived. In fact, no story posted ever disappears. Every stories is archived.
We have some additional improvements on the way for 2010. One is an option for display advertising. More on that later. We also plan to offer a Bluffton history lesson of the week. We'll share with you some of the greatest photos that you've never seen.
Wait until you see the contests we have in store for 2010.
You may help us with this one: If you have ideas for viewer polls, share them with us. We like to change the poll daily. Sometimes our well runs drye on ideas. Simply send your poll question ideas to: [email protected]
In January a new journalism intern from Bowling Green State University joins our team. Many viewers have suggested story ideas. Keep them coming.
Thanks for all your support and encouragement in our first three months of existence. We have great things in store for 2010.
Oh, and thanks for your patience as we experiment witht things, add things, delete things that don't work, and generally stumble through our start-up stage. You see, we haven't found the book titled "How to Create A Free News Website for a Small Community." Actually, we'll probably end up writing on.
Remember - tell your friends about us.
If you have persons you'd like us to spend 15 mintues with, send us their names and e-mail addresses. We'll go after them.
