• So, here we are! News Askew X. The site you’re now viewing represents almost a half a year of preparation, layout, and database design. And we’re still not done. We HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you use a modern browser, the latest version of Firefox, Internet Explorer, or Safari. We’re still finding heaps of Internet Explorer 6 bugs, so if you’re under that browser, please upgrade or be patient with us as we work to figure them all out. Also, enable Javascript if you know how. That will ensure that some of the extra features will function as we intended.

You may notice an options console in the upper-right corner. This currently functions under all browsers except for IE (a fix is coming for that). With it, you can switch News Askew from a fluid, widescreen design to a more static, slimmer design. You can also change the main color scheme to your liking. These features may stick around, or we may force a color on you down the line. For now, the choice is yours. We have some design left to do as far as graphics go, so things are going to evolve from this point, especially in the site header.

We’re still in the process of categorizing the almost 7,000 stories here at News Askew. When we’re done, you’ll be able to use a new extended live search to interactively pull up stories by month, year, or even catgegory. For now, the general archives page will get you where you need to be.

Image handling is much nicer at the new site. If you’re using a fairly new browser, say goodbye to those images that show up in new windows. Try clicking this thumbnail image below and see how the new image expansion feature looks. Niiiice.

We’re pleased to say that our polls archive is 80% re-established, and live polling has now returned to the site. Be sure to cast your vote on the current poll question, and submit your own ideas for future News Askew polls. Yes, we’ll be asking at some point what you think of the new site, but want to get the major bug fixes before we start getting some feedback.

That’s about all we want to say about the new design, for now. As we put the finishing touches on features, we’ll let you know here at the front page. Commenting on stories is encouraged and live, though you’ll have to re-register yourself. Reserve that user name that you’ve been looking for now. As always, we have the rights to refuse any user name or comment post. So behave yourselves. Poke around a bit, try a search, and see what you think. We realize it’s a big change. We know you’re going to grow to love it, if you don’t already. Welcome to News Askew X, the new News Askew!