As some of you have noticed already, the last few issues of the Weekly, we’ve been trying out some design changes—a more readable font, better use of photos, a few things moving around. Honestly, some sort of print redesign was a long time coming for us, even prior to the sale, simply because any publication needs to take a look at how best to present information every few years.
And, yes, I’ve heard a few complaints. The ads haven’t always been next to the content they probably should be (working on it!), the listings have been in some strange places (working on it!), and, yes, a few of you reached out to mention that you missed the editor’s note. So, here you go. My last minute musings have returned.
However, the complaint I’ve heard a few times which is most troubling is the perception that the redesign is a turn towards the Weekly becoming an entertainment-focused publication. While arts, film, music and other assorted “things to do” have and always will be a big part of what the Weekly is about, as far as I’m concerned, news and politics are just as important to our mission. That hasn’t changed at all and how we can best do that sort of coverage is on my mind a lot. Ask my wife. I talk about this sort of thing WAY TOO MUCH.
Yes, that sort of coverage is time-consuming and sometimes inexpensive, but the Tucson Weekly simply wouldn’t be the same without smart writers and reporters doing great work trying to help readers make sense of what’s happening in Tucson and statewide. But, since that’s something I/we take seriously, the mix of “hard” and “soft” news will be something we discuss in editorial meetings in the coming weeks. However, know that there’s a lot of political coverage coming up as the primary and general elections come up this year and Mari Herreras always has great stories she’s working on.
We can always do better and I think the redesign (and some of the new features, like this week’s Nine on the Line and Cinema Showdown) reflect that quest to do better. The challenge is making sure nothing else gets lost in the process.
This article appears in Jun 26 – Jul 2, 2014.
Run Triumph the Insult Dog videos more often!! The one on World Cup soccer was priceless.
Do you need a proof reader? “inexpensive”.
How about moving a little back towards the middle, a little more informative, and less preaching the DNC line.
Dan,
I’m not sure if it is formatting, browser problems, or what, but THIS week, the “Tools” palette covers up the first three paragraphs. I *think* I got most of what you were putting up, though. Perhaps not.
Same goes this week as was the case a few weeks back, about not finding the Media Watch page. Maybe it is hiding beneath an advertisement??
“As some of you have noticed already, the last few issues of the Weekly, we’ve been trying out some design changes—a more readable font, better use of photos, a few things moving around. “
One too many commas in the first phrase?
Here’s the good news. TW, post acquisition, hasn’t morphed into a piece of crap. Bugs can and should be worked out but there remains in Tucson one source of news that hasn’t thrown in the towel seeking profit over substance.
That said, I would like to see more published mug shots of truly hideous local malefactors – the only coverage where the ADS excels and evidently takes great pride in.
Since ‘1013’(That Ruined East Valley Tribune)took over Tucson Weekly,there is less ‘Opinion/Currents’ links on the website.
People “North of The River’ can’t get the paper version of your paper.