I have been reading the press on a daily basis for some time now that the new web site has been created.  I like the features they added, user profiles, comments section and forums are a huge plus to create further discussion within the community.  But why do we still have to read the poorly planned, sometimes off-topic, personal hate comments that are posted to stories about the misfortune of criminals?

When we all read an article about a 6th OWI or a mother who shoots her daughter to win a bet, we know these people are messed up and we shouldn’t expect to know exactly what was going on based on a Sheboygan Press article.  But why do the comments have to be placed?

I understand there are many, many immature people in the city of Sheboygan and that some of them have found their way online to the Press web site to sign up and comment.  I encourage everyone that has one decent thread in their body to “report abuse” on the comments that are off-topic and hurtful, even to the criminals or otherwise.

This will help to keep the Press forum and comments area clean, to the point and hopefully keep discussion on topic and fun for everyone.

How do you like the new Press website?  I actually think that it is quite a shocker to have so much changed at one time.  Do I think it’s a big deal?  Nope.  Websites change all the time, some subtle, some MAJOR, but in the end we still go to the site for a reason.  It’ll take getting used to, but here are a couple of reactions from the forum.

sillymama08 says:
“I’d rather have the old site back, maybe it’ll just take some getting used to… “

SheboyganTalk says:
“I think you’re going to find a huge drop in interest in the forum now that you don’t have the news stories directly connected anymore.”

BasicGuy says:
“This is interesting, will adapt to the new look!  Love the part, where one can add pictures.  Question thou, what happen to todays topics?”

Since I am into web design, blogging, internet, forums and more, I like to see the changes.  The older people around that aren’t familiar websites, etc. might not like it because they get used to things and routines in their lives.  This is a shake-up, but I think it’ll be just fine.

What do you think?  Post here or on the press forum topic.

I cruise through the forums every other day or so and I love to comment on the posts that make me smile and think “what do people do all day?”

Today’s post is about the softball equipment that was stolen and reportedly resold at Play it Again Sports.

Does it matter that the Press doesn’t have the whole story?  Yes.  Is it any surprise to me that there is always ONE person that knows someone involved?  No.  But why is it that within 3 posts in the forums the community is already off the topic and complaining about spelling, details or other forum members opinions?

The Press added the forum to keep readers on the website, thus, making it more appealing to advertisers.  That makes sense, but what really happens is that the people of Sheboygan now have another way to pick on each other and now they don’t even have to see the other person.

Here is the post from the forums that made me smile:

casper

Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2008 10:55 am    Post subject: POLICE WORK ?? The police had nothing to do with the bust. The owner who had it stolen contacted play it again sports. If he wouldnt have done that , the thieves would have a full tank of gas.