Have you noticed some changes for the New Year over here at Vtdigger.org? Well, let us assure you, these changes are for the better, we hope.
First and foremost, we’re introducing a new section we’re calling Digger development. Our thought behind this section of the site is that we wanted a way to inform you of things that are happening here at Vtdigger.org. From time to time we’ll be posting information in this section that should keep you in the know about what we’re digging into, internally. This could be information about staffing changes, new sections we’re adding, or new functionality that we’re implementing on the site.
Our plan all along has been to grow Vtdigger.org into a robust, reporting platform that incorporates some level of interactivity in the news gathering and reporting process. This is still our goal, and in the upcoming year we’ll be rolling out functionality that will move us closer toward that end. As you might imagine, some of this will require explanation, and in some cases, instruction. And that’s where the Digger development section fits in. Simply put, if you’re wondering what we’re doing to improve on our platform and news coverage, or how to use some new tool we’ve introduced, you’ll likely find that information here in Digger development.
So, that being said, here’s what we’ve rolled out for week one of 2010:
Digger digest
Another new section, and also a sidebar widget, Digger digest is how we intend to offer you content straight from the horse’s mouth, so to speak. Like every other newsroom out there, Vtdigger.org gets a handful of press releases and announcements from organizations, businesses, and state and federal agencies every day. And while some of these go into the hopper for us to dig into in the future, we feel there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get to read this material as it’s made available to us. So we’re posting it in the digest, unedited and unchanged from how it came to us. If the originating source provides reports or supplemental materials, we’ll post it along side for you to dig into. The sidebar component of Digger digest you’ll notice over on the right-hand side of your screen. Basically, as we add new press releases as they come in, the sidebar will update and scroll through the five most recent additions. The widget displays on every page of the site, so no matter where or what you might be digging on Vtdigger.org, the most recent press releases will be available to you.
Weighing in
Undoubtedly, one of the top reasons we’re happy to keep digging and developing is seeing the discussion and commentary that starts when we publish stories. Your comments keep these stories timely, the site lively, and people on their toes! That being said, we thought we’d make it easier for users to see who’s weighing in and on what stories. So, in the left hand sidebar you’ll find the “Weighing in” widget, a real-time update of the three latest commentators and what story they’re sounding off about.
As always, we value your input and recommendations about what we’re doing. Have you seen something cool on another site that could further the goals of Vtdigger.org? Let us know about it and we’ll see if we can’t make it fly here. Have questions about why we’re doing something a certain way? Contact us and hopefully we’ll have a satisfactory answer for you.
Thanks again for reading and supporting Vtdigger.org. Happy digging…
Josh Larkin, Web Designer and Developer
jlarkin@vtdigger.org
