The Independent Redesign
Well we’ve done it again. I posted the reasons why we have to redesign our website in the live chat – going on as I write this – so I’ll reproduce them here:
We completed a redesign of our site to comply with our new owners just under a year ago. We needed to be on their system, which required a total revamp of how things are done in the newsroom. Nine-ish months later, the Independent was sold once again to the Omaha World Herald, and once again, we have to comply with their systems. And so, dear readers, we needed to ‘redo’ the website. The good news is that this time, we have more control and more say in how our website will function. We asked for your feedback – and thank you to everyone who gave it to us! – and took it all under advisement as we strived to build a better, streamlined website that is easier to get around in, and provides more information.
Today we are having a sneak peek at the redesign while we put the finishing touches on it. Tomorrow (December 31st) we will be signing off on it officially, and January 1st, we should be live and kicking 
What we would really appreciate is if you popped into our live chat today or tomorrow and tell us what you think! We will be able to take your input and make the site even better – faster than the speed of email
Thank you for your patience and help during this (hopefully last) transition. Over the next year we will continue to bring you improvements and features that will make your Independent viewing pleasure even better, so stay tuned!
January 1st, 2009 at 8:39 am
Steph,
The site looks pretty good – although I still liked the colors and look of the original (maroon/cranes etc.) better – but it could use a little “warmer” look. No idea what that means but this one is user friendly and the information from your reporters/columnists is what I’m after in the first place.
One “bad” comment: I miss the photo section. I can still see the blogs from Scott and Barrett but I like to look at the “everyday” things the whole staff has done. Maybe I missed it.
As usual, if there is anything I can do to help with the video/multimedia side with your staff I’d be more than happy to help.
jb
January 2nd, 2009 at 9:28 am
Hey John
Thank you for your comments 
What it boils down to is that we needed to be switched to our new site by the end of the year. And so we had to launch with something that was functional. less than desirable, but necessary due to the paper being sold for the second time etc.
But we have autonomy on it again (hurray!) and now that we are switched we are working to get it “pretty” again and will be bringing back our regular features. The photo section is a high priority, so it will definitely be back.
Thanks!