Last week, when we learned that the sheriff’s office had recovered some items stolen from Vashon homes and hoped to return them, we immediately posted a story to The Beachcomber’s website. Later, when we learned a longtime islander had been charged with a sex crime, we did the same, and many commented on our Facebook post about the charge. With people increasingly turning to the internet for news, we hope to update our site more frequently to provide readers with the latest news and a different content every time they visit.
This week we’re pleased to announce that our website has been upgraded and with a fresh design. We think the updated layout, along with our continued efforts, will make the site more of a go-to place for news relevant to Vashon as well as features, information on upcoming events, sports news and opinions. We’re also planning to use Facebook to bring readers more of what they want — even if it’s just a fun photo, ferry alert or reminder about a show.
The website’s slightly different, crisp-and-clean design makes space for more stories and photographs on the home page, which is topped by a revamped navigation bar. Also at the top are icons for social media, so readers can quickly share stories with others. The website will continue to use the “river of news” format — with the most current content appearing at the top of the home page — though the top stories will feature larger photographs, plus larger headlines and summaries. As more stories are published each day, older stories will carry smaller headlines and flow toward the bottom of the home page. The box for “trending stories” — articles that are shared and read more often than others— will also be positioned higher for faster access. Stories will also be easier to share. Underneath each story byline, readers will find options for emailing the article, printing a copy or sending a letter to the editor about the topic.
The website update is being launched across most of Sound Publishing’s community papers, though the websites for paid-access newspapers, including The Beachcomber, will share a slightly different makeover. Anyone with a print subscription to The Beachcomber receives a free digital subscription that allows them to access all the stories on our website.
Not too long ago, many newspaper websites were like digital copies of what appeared in print. The Beachcomber, along with other small, community papers, is moving toward posting updated content daily online, so readers get the most recent news and a different experience every time they visit. With a small newsroom staff, this isn’t always easy. But we’ve renewed our commitment to bringing readers what they deserve online — a constantly changing feed with only the latest in what matters on the island.
