Thanks for checking us out

Since you're reading this editorial, we know you've noticed a big change at the Leader. It was something we’ve been waiting for for a long time: The launch of our brand-new Web site.

We completed the transition to the new look on Thursday. Since, we’ve been working to get our content up and ready for our readers.

Thanks to everyone who excused our mess while we made the switch. As of today, we’re fully up and running. 

The exciting thing is how much more we can offer our readers through the new format. Not only will there be more content, but the clean, new look creates a perfect forum for community involvement.

I have said before and will say again, the future of newspapers on the Internet is exciting because the possibilities are endless. It’s not something to replace the print edition — it’s something that enhances it.

Our newsprint that arrives in your hands each week is a snapshot of time, an ever-important, irreplaceable document with all the week’s news and events. As Marshall McLuhan put it, “People don’t read newspapers. They slip into them like a warm bath.”

So true.

But as we move with industry trends and as a supplement, our new Web site will offer you more of a chance to see and read about news and events.

New features ready now are the court records link, under home/news tab, where you’ll find the latest court and police records; the “most popular” tab where you can see which stories other readers have enjoyed; more photos than ever; reporter blogs and comment sections. Also, the more advanced search option at the top right corner will help you find your favorite stories again and again.

A more comprehensive and interactive community calendar is coming soon, as is a full array of multimedia features, like slideshows and videos.

Most importantly, we view this new site as a community forum. Leave your thoughts about our stories, read our posts and get to know us better.

We encourage everyone to spend five minutes getting to know the new site. The new format changed thing around, but we didn’t lose any aspects of the old site. We can adjust and add as we get community input. Let us know what you think so we can grow leaderadvertiser.com together.