Many of these changes stem from the way you, our readers, now prefer to get your news. Sure, there are still traditionalists who don't mind waiting so they can hold the paper in their hands while they sip coffee and learn about what's going on in their community.
But there are many more people these days who want to know what's happening right now. And for that portion of our readership, it's important that we have a modern Web site that's frequently updated with fresh content.
That's why we're pleased this month to have launched a revamped online destination for our readers to stay up-to-date with what's going on in SunLand at www.northshoresun.com.
Please take some time from your busy schedules this week to check out our site, so you can better inform us of what you do or do not like about our online presence.
Here are some of the new features we hope you enjoy:
* The ability to interact with the newspaper staff directly from our Web site. No longer do you have to wing it on your own when attempting to submit a letter to the editor you'd like to see published in our print edition. Now you can fill out our online form that helps you accurately complete all the necessary steps for getting your letter published, with all the information being sent directly to our editor's computer. You can do so by clicking on the "Write the Editor" tab at the bottom of the home page.
* Why go elsewhere to talk about the stories in our newspaper? Our new site offers not only the ability to comment on stories, but also a new message board section for you to weigh in on the local issues most important to you. You can find our new message board under the "Connect" tab at the top of our home page.
* Now you can save when you shop by visiting us online. Our new site provides you with digital coupons that can be used for savings at your favorite local stores such as McCarrick's Dairy and Tilda's Bake Shop. Digital coupons are in the right column of our Web site adjacent to our sports news.
* The site also gives local businesses a new outlet to advertise their services. With more advertising holes in prominent places on our home page, you can now utilize our site to attract new customers to your business.
* Looking to go to the movies? Log on to our site to see what films are playing at which local theater and when. Give it a try by clicking on "Movie Times," located in the "Calendar" tab at the top of the site.
We hope you like the new-look Web site and we encourage you to offer feedback. Please write to us to let us know of any suggestions you may have for features you'd like to see added to the site in the future.
We want you to think of our new Web site as your new Web site.
Contact editor Grant Parpan at [email protected] or 631-744-0404, ext. 11, with your suggestions and ideas.