Q: Why change?
A: We have been the Mid-Columbia's top news and information website since we launched in 1996, but we think we can make it even better. We haven’t had a major redesign of tricityherald.com in several years, and we’ve listened as you have told us that you would like a website with a little less clutter, that’s easier and faster to use and find the stories and topics you care about. That’s been our main goal: a faster, easier-to-use and less-cluttered site with a better search engine and a simpler navigation system, while still providing all the breaking news, photo galleries, things to do and other information you expect to find. You should immediately notice that the speed of the site has improved. Over time, the design will give us the flexibility to respond well to major breaking news stories or indepth watchdog stories with lots of different, complex elements.
Q: Am I going to get used to this only to have you change it again?
A: This is version 1.0 of our new site, and we do expect to add several features and enhancements over the next several weeks and months. But the look and feel of the site will basically remain the same. Any future improvements - just like the redesign - will be based on feedback we get from our users and advertisers. Frankly, that’s one of the best things about the redesign - the ability to easily make enhancements moving forward.
Q: Will I need to register again?
A: No. Your existing username and password have been carried over to the new site.
Q: Where is the best place to find breaking news?
A: Check at the top of the home page for latest news.
Q: Where are the obituaries?
A: You can find a link to" Obituaries" in the navigation bar near the top of each page.
Q. What are the primary sections of this redesigned site?
A. As listed in the blue bar near the top, our primary sections are News, Sports, Business, Entertainment, Opinion, Obituaries and Local Deals.
Q: I have my favorite sections or pages on your site bookmarked. Will those bookmarks still work?
A: Yes, they should. We did pare down some redundant sections, so if you have a problem finding something, please check our site map, linked from the bottom of all the pages.
Q: Where did my favorite blog go?
A: They are all still here. You’ll find a roundup of recent blog posts on the homepage just as you used to.
Q: How do I find what other people are reading?
A: A list of the most read stories of the day can be found on the right side of most pages on the site. It’s labeled “Most Popular Pages.”
Q: Where can I find crime news or community news?
A: Just hover your pointer over on "News" in the blue bar near the top of the site, then click on "Crime" or "Local news."
Q: I love your photo galleries. Where do I find them now?
A. You’ll find the most recent photo galleries on our home page, below the main photo and list of stories. You’ll see photo galleries for the topics on each of the section fronts as well.
Q. I am having trouble finding things to do in the Mid-Columbia. What do I do?
A: You can find our events calendar on the right hand side of the homepage. Just click on the category you want - movies, restaurants, etc. You can also add your public event from the calendar link. You can click on the Entertainment link in the blue bar to find dining reviews, movie showtimes and more. You can search by topic or day.
Q: I can't find what I am looking for, what do I do?
A: You can go to the search box at the top of the site and type in a name or description for what you're trying to find. We think one of the improvements on the new site is an improved search function. You can also click on the "Site Map" in the line of links at the bottom of each page. The site map is a listing of sections and pages on the site.
Q: I am an advertiser. What will the new site do for me?
A: We have created fewer but more prominent ad positions.
Q: I can click a Facebook "like" button on other sites, what about here?
A: Yes. When you are on a story page a Facebook "like" button is located just beneath the time stamp on the story. You can click there to "like" the story. If you wish to post the story to your Facebook page, you can click the Facebook icon at the bottom of the story itself, in the bar that says "Share this story."
Q: Can I still comment on articles?
A: Yes.
Q: I'm using an older browser. Will that make a difference in what the site looks like to me?
A: Yes, the best experience for you will be to use Firefox 3.6 or above, Internet Explorer 7 or 8 or above or Chrome.
Q: How do I make a suggestion, offer a comment or ask a question about the new site?
A: Please go to http://www.tricityherald.com/customer-service/ and give us your feedback using the form we have posted there. You can get there directly by clicking on the “Customer Service” link on any page, right above the Search box on the top right side. We really want to track all the feedback well and by using this one form we will be able to respond quickly to your questions and concerns.
