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Web site makeover aims for interaction
5/21/2008
From Staff Reports
LIBERTY LAKE - With the hope of creating a space for Liberty Lake neighbors to discuss everything from library bonds to lentil soup recipes, The Liberty Lake Splash's Web site re-launched this week with a focus on interactive features.
Updates to the site -
www.libertylakesplash.com - include myriad places for reader comments, a Splash blog and a full-scale social networking portion of the site called Splash Connect.
"The overhaul of our Web site was more than a year in the making," Splash Publisher Josh Johnson said. "In early 2007, we asked our online readers to tell us how we could bring the site into the 21st century, and the main requests were for story comment functions, social networking, local advertising and more photos. This site delivers all of this and more."
Many of the site's new capabilities run through the Splash Connect system. Visitors to the site can create a free account through Splash Connect to comment on stories and blog entries or post their own content by connecting with other Splash Connect users through messages, friend page comments or by forming groups.
"I could definitely see some of the local clubs or groups in Liberty Lake setting up their own group page where they could have discussion boards or post events on the page's calendar," Johnson said. "We've already played around with a group just for Splash employees."
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Splash Connect users also have the option of uploading a profile photo and signing up for e-mail news alerts and a weekly Splash newsletter.
"On Tuesday, for example, we learned there were going to be four-minute construction delays for traffic at Appleway and Liberty Lake Road – happening Wednesday morning," Johnson said. "Our weekly newspaper hasn't had an outlet before to inform residents of this type of event in real time. With these free e-mail news alerts, we can now do that."
The Splash contracted with Liberty Lake's Spokane Web Communications for the site makeover.
With questions or suggestions about the site, e-mail josh@libertylakesplash.com.
Splash Connect
How can I connect?
1. Go to www.libertylakesplash.com/connect
2. Click on the link to "sign up now"
3. Enter basic registration information
4. Connect! Upload a profile photo, start a group, comment on blogs, send messages – and then let us know how the site is working for you. It's free and easy!