Though the seemingly long ago summer of 2009 was a bit of a disappointment in terms of weather, things were definitely heating up here at LondonTopic.ca.
For many of our dedicated readers, you undoubtedly noticed, a few months back, a bit of a lag in the updated content, and some frustrating and technical issues that saw the site actually go down, sometimes for periods longer than we'd like (actually, no downtime would have been greatly preferred).
The reason? We dropped some deadweight that was really holding us back, switched servers a couple of times (once too many in our minds), and buried ourselves in an aggressive plan to improve not only the look of LondonTopic.ca, but in the content delivery as well.
What you see now is the fruits of our summer and early fall labour: a slick, new design with added features and a stronger focus on delivering the local London content that we know our readers want and deserve (I doubt you'll hear that sentiment coming out of Quebec – "Snap!!").
But, and this is the part I really like, what you see now is just the beginning. While I think we've really done a great job on the new redesign – a tip of the hat to our new IT director – we've got some other features in the works that involve both technical and content aspects. There truly is more to come and we believe Londoners, and the many readers from across the country and the world, will be pleased with what we've got in store.
LondonTopic.ca is grabbing the horns when it comes to "hyper-local" news delivery, and while we're not exactly cutting a new path in this regard, though we are ahead of the curve, we look to the days, months and years to come and see our online only hyper-local format as the trend setter in local news.
It's not rocket science, although many of the corporate media are still scratching their heads trying to figure out how to make the transition into the real online market. If they just take a look at us they'd see the solution.
It's just a matter of thinking inside the box, so to speak. Focusing on what's close to home and what the local readers want to see in the terms of local news. It's also a matter of breaking that stereotypical mold that many news agencies seem unable to escape from (due to a swiftly dying print-only mindset) and embrace the change that is necessary to become a real player in this electronic age.
As I child I never liked the game "Follow the leader." Nor do I like it now. But I must admit there is some gratification in the fact that this time, LondonTopic.ca is, in some respects, the leader, and those big playground bullies who have welded too much power for far too long will have no choice but to follow.
The future is bright. We are, and have always been tenacious, passionate, and confident in our plan to make LondonTopic.ca the number one news agency in the city of London, and that vision remains – stronger and clearer then ever before.
An early Christmas present
And I've said this before and I'll say it again: To those naysayers who harp on and on – "You can't do that, you won't succeed." I will once again quote the late, former Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau – "Just watch me."
Congratulations you guys! This new website is awesome!! The weather button with London's city scape is so unique. Looking forward to following you to even greater things even though I think you are already number one in London. Congrats again!!!
By: judy on 11/23/2009
Holy CATS Batman! Wow! This site is amazing. You look fantastic! Love the new logo colour. The weather is beautiful. Keep her going. Can't wait to see what you do next.
By: pessy on 11/23/2009
Well... I must say I do love this new look that LondonTopic.ca has created. Keep it going.
By: S. Peckinpaw on 11/23/2009
All I can say is WOW!
By: Terry on 11/23/2009
What a great surprise, Ross. What an excellent job you've done here. Keep up the great work. And just so you know I will be watching you to see what you do next.
By: David W. on 11/23/2009
I love it!
By: Danny on 11/23/2009
Great job on the new site ! looks great and much nicer the CTVs website. I will take them off my home page and put London Topic.
By: a happy londoner on 11/23/2009
Must say this looks fantastic... screw the LFP, screw dragons den.. you guys don't quit. Must say I think this is a huge step for you and I'm excited to see what comes next!
By: Jeff on 11/23/2009
2 horns up!
By: Baphomet on 11/23/2009
Looks great!
By: Misty on 11/24/2009
Heyyyyyy, Ross.This site looks fantastic! I am glad to see you left things where they were. It's so easy to navigate. Love it! So what's next? Come on you can tell us.
By: Penny T. on 11/26/2009
Site looks great! Waaaaay better than before no comparison.
By: BB on 11/28/2009
Great job on the new site! It looks fabulous and such a great news source!!!!
