Bombarded by modern technology

We've been bombarded by technology from all sides recently, and some of it has not gone smoothly, as many readers are aware.

If you're reading this in print, I'm quite happy, because it means we got the newspaper out this week on a new technological system.

If you're reading this online, then I'm happy, because with all the Web site problems it's the little things, like getting stories on there in a timely fashion, that please us.

First, the new system. We've added a couple of new Macs to our list, and that's a good thing. The old ones had an operating system that wouldn't do a lot of things, most noticeably read Web sites correctly. A lot of Web sites are on more modern platforms than our old system could support.

These computers are being used to get the newspaper printed. We have come up with a couple of font issues, and there have been some design issues we've wanted to change, so you might notice some slight differences. For us, though, we're just going to be happy when we see it in print.

By the way, for those who don't know, a font is the way type looks in the paper. You'll notice that not all type looks the same, and the way it looks is what font is being used. For instance, if you're reading this column, it's a font called "New Times Roman." The headline on top of this column is "Helvetica." Not so much on this page, but on pages that have the name of the newspaper and the page number across the top, that information is in a font called "Arial."

We're assuming that there might be some other issues arise, but we'll try to take care of them as soon as possible.

When it comes to the Web site, some of the problems are out of our control, and we're striving to get them fixed. There probably isn't anything you can tell us that is wrong with the site that we don't already know.

We know there are problems with the archives. We know there are problems with some of the ads. Trust me, someone, somewhere is working on it.

The basic premise of the Web site, however, is working, and that involves getting news on there as quickly as possible. That includes things that happen in the community, obituaries, sports, etc. For example, this past Saturday's motorcycle ride to benefit an injured deputy reached the Williston Fire Dept. about 11 a.m. By 11:30, there was a picture and short story on the Web site. That part is working pretty well, limited, of course, by whether we cover something or not.

So please, we ask again, be patient with us. We're trying, and won't stop until everything is right. When it's done, we think you'll like the final results.

Jim Clark is the editor of the Williston Pioneer Sun News. He can be reached at editor@willistonpioneer.com or at 528-3343.