Readers may comment on articles and access the site on Smart Phones and iPads
By Matt Papanek

Whether or not you have used Norfolk Now’s Web site, or even realized there was one, it is now in the process of a major makeover that will match the printed paper aesthetically while offering easy access to new interactive features.

Under the guidance of Executive Editor Wiley Wood and Board Member Mary Fanette, the new site will eventually allow viewers to stay abreast of events in and around Norfolk and be able to react to them by posting comments that will be reviewed to ensure civility.

While the hardcopy Norfolk Now will continue to appear on a monthly basis, the Web site affords the possibility of stories being posted each week, and also allows for added media. A photo illustrating an article in the printed paper may be part of a larger series posted online along with audio clips and video. In addition, readers will now have the opportunity to comment on posted articles.

A story posted online will be automatically archived and easily searchable. For example, a reader interested in articles about the new curling club can enter ”curling club” in the search box and be directed to a page that offers links to any story relating to the subject.  While stories contained within the print issues pre-dating the launch of the new Web site are not yet available, there are plans to have PDF versions uploaded to the site. When that process is complete, the articles within each issue should be searchable as well.

This new site is fully responsive, which means that it will be accessible to those with smart phones and iPads. There are plans to have the ability to send out e-mail notifications of new stories as well, making it even easier to stay up to date with the events in town. The site is also linked to Facebook, Twitter, and Google+, so that stories can be shared with friends through any one of those social networks.

While Nornow.org is available to the public right now, it is still a work in progress. Offering online advertising for local businesses has not yet been implemented, but it is a top priority. Eventually, Wiley and Fanette expect to hire an official web editor to maintain the site. Until then, the new and still evolving Nornow.org is open for business.