We are very keen to get your feedback on our stories and features, and now you have the opportunity to do this online, as well as still being able to write a letter to the editor.
Commenting won't be enabled on every single story that goes online, but the majority of your local news will be open and free for all to make a statement on.
Personally, I think this can create some interesting and lively discussions and I'm looking forward to it.
With the AIMS Games and the Rugby World Cup just around the corner, I'm also excited about the launch of the new events feature on bayofplentytimes.co.nz.
I can't wait to see how this all comes together, but I have no doubt that it will be a great way for everyone in the Bay to stay up to date with all that's going on in the region.
We might not host any of the World Cup games in Tauranga, but I'm sure there will be plenty to report on anyway. Keep an eye out for it.
In the lead-up to the launch, the developers asked me to take part in the end-user testing rounds of the new site.
As with anything technical, there are always a few glitches that need straightening out before going live.
I am glad they asked me to be a part of the testing group because I can't stand it when things don't work as well as they should.
Especially if I can't fix it.
Being involved at an early stage with design and development has given me a chance to get to know the comprehensive new content management system, too.
The CMS for short is nothing more than a fancy word for the back end of a website. It's the system we use for our online updates.
You might think that all this sounds very technical but it really isn't.
I have been working online for a good few years now and even though I know what works well on a website and what doesn't, I am really not at all technical.
People often think I'm a bit of a geek, someone who knows the ins and outs of IT, but the truth is: I haven't got a clue.
When it comes to computers and related hardware, chances are I'll break it. I've killed a fair few printers and at least three shredders, since I work in an office environment. I might have even dropped a monitor or two.
I work with online content, search engine optimisation, Photoshop and that's about it.
If you ask me if I can fix your computer or tackle your viruses, I'm afraid the answer is no. I know about aesthetics but I am definitely not a web designer. I can't write code very well, either.
So no, I cannot build you a website from scratch, unless I use one of the online templates that can be downloaded everywhere, and I really don't recommend that.
If you are after a new website and you want something unique and tailor-made to best feature your business, products or services online, the best advice I can give you is to use the expertise of the handful of businesses based here in the Bay that create amazing online solutions.
One warning: Make sure to do your research. There are a lot of one-man-bands out there that might offer a cheap site to begin with, but those solutions are not that cost-effective in the end.
If you want cheap, you might as well Google for a template yourself and save even more.
Back to our new website, there will be some interesting online advertising options for local businesses. If you would like to profile your business or events on bayofplentytimes.co.nz, get in touch with our advertising department. Call (07) 577 7770 and ask for Jo Sutton. She can explain all the benefits of targeted advertising on bayofplentytimes.co.nz.
If you haven't already, take a minute or two to explore bayofplentytimes.co.nz and let us know what you think as we welcome all feedback.
