What we're working on, and why you can't (yet) see it
It's quiet. Too quiet.
That's because we've kind of taken care of all the stuff that's quick 'n' easy, and the stuff we're working on now is more complicated and requires more behind-the-scenes effort up front. Community editor Betsi Robinson and her team are putting together the Summerfield online/print section. Our tech folks will be tweaking the home page a bit more, including adding a tab for Public Square-related features such as YourNews, as soon as they get some non-Public-Square stuff off their plates (such as GoTriad's Readers Choice project). I'm compiling a database of info on News Department employees to which each staffer's byline eventually will link, and I'm also pulling together data for a capital-budget request so we can get some more cool toys essential hardware to greatly increase our multimedia production capability.
We're also recruiting staff internally for some additional blogs that will deal with the general subjects of pets and TV shows. JR is still deciding what the ultimate formats will turn out to be.
But all is not frozen behind the curtain. On Monday, I'm delighted to announce, N&R staffer Jim Schlosser will begin blogging at Architecture, Artifacts and Antiquity (whether or not the banner graphic is finished by then).
Jim brings to the subject his unique, engaging and award-winning writing style; his deep knowledge and love of all things Greensboro; and a passionate layman's interest in architecture. If you liked "Urban Image," the column he wrote for the N&R's CityLife section in the mid-1990s, you'll love this blog.
The blog is intended to complement, not compete with, A Little Urbanity, a blog written by classics professor David Wharton, who also sits on the Greensboro Historic District Commission. Although Wharton discusses historic buildings and architecture from time to time, he mainly focuses on more current and big-picture issues. Jim will be spending more time on the history of our community and using his bright writing to bring the past alive. I can't wait.
UPDATE: There'll be one other interesting new feature, too, but it's Allen's baby, so I'll let him tell you about it when he's ready.
ANOTHER UPDATE: The Town Square tab is now up on the home page.