Check out Observer's new website features

Ann Widmann, Observer Editor

Ann Widmann, Observer Editor

I hope those of you out there with internet access have had a chance to visit the Navajo Hopi Observer's upgraded website.

Now a much wider variety of news stories are included because more topics have been added. Local News generally takes in the front page stories and a few general interest stories from inside the paper. New sections include Education, Tribal News, the Rez, Health and Obituaries. As in the past, there is an Opinion section, Sports section, Quick Reads and Letters to the Editor sections.

Also, all the sections now can accommodate more copy. In the past, I had to edit down some stories to fit them on the webpage or, at times, split them into two parts to run them in their entirety.

Previously, the website only contained news from the current week. Now, several stories from previous editions remain so that readers can do some catching up on back issues they may have missed.

Reader input has improved as well. By signing up, you can actually have stories e-mailed to you on a weekly basis by indicating topic areas you're interested in receiving. We keep your e-mail address confidential so you don't have to worry about being deluged by spam.

Another new feature is the archives that enables you to research back issues.

There's also a calendar section where you can list an upcoming event. When you do so, I receive an e-mail message and can add it to the website. However, I would like to caution readers that choose this option to plan ahead. A few calendar items have been submitted after the event has already occurred.

There are still items that make the paper but not the website so I encourage you to pick up a print copy if possible. But with these upgrades, the website now includes a much broader spectrum of our news and provides more reader access. Let me know what you think.

Complaints

I take your complaints and suggestions very seriously but do ask you to be as specific as possible.

I recently received an anonymous voice mail that stated one of our contributors was very negative and very biased in the news stories submitted. However, no specific stories were referred to or specific examples given.

I certainly want our news coverage to be as unbiased as possible, but you have to realize I am basically a managing editor. Most the of events covered occur on the reservation far from my Flagstaff office.

If you have a genuine complaint to lodge, please give me enough information to rectify the situation. If you don't want to give me a way to contact you personally, please at least provide enough specifics so that I can actually investigate the matter.

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