News launches e-edition

MOUNT VERNON — Today is an exciting day for the Mount Vernon News and readers all over the world. With the launch of a News e-edition, the complete print version will now be accessible via the World Wide Web.

“This allows us to continue to serve our traditional customers, who are accustomed to holding their newspaper, those outside of our standard delivery area, and those who prefer the convenience and ease of on-the-go gadgets,” said Kay Culbertson, publisher of the News.

The entire paper, including advertisements, will be viewable through this electronic version, allowing readers to see all the News has to offer from their personal computer, e-reader or Internet-compatible mobile devices like smart phones or iPods.

“With the number of customers we serve outside of Knox County who want a full version of the paper, without relying on mail delivery, offering an e-edition was the perfect alternative,” said Corby Wise, News advertising manager.

The user-friendly interface provides a full-page view on the left that allows readers to click on the story they would like to read. That story, including any photos, will be displayed on the right for easy reading. Readers can even select between two different text sizes.

Navigation from page to page is easy via directional buttons or drop-down menus. Quick searches can also be used to find specific keywords.

Advertising published in the News can be seen through the interface and ads with Web addresses will offer direct links to the business’ Web site.

“The e-edition will be a great way for advertisers to reach more potential customers,” Wise said. “The e-edition takes a traditional Mount Vernon News ad and adds hyperlinks, taking the reader straight to the advertiser’s Web site. This could be huge for advertisers, depending on how they use their Web sites.”

Another exciting feature of the e-edition is e-notify. With this, readers can select certain people, organizations or keywords to follow, and they will be notified, via e-mail, if their tagged selections are published. Subscribers will also be able to quickly refer to previously published editions.

Because the e-edition is prepared for publication by a third-party company, it will not be available as quickly as the printed version hits newsstands. Subscribers will be notified by e-mail when the e-edition is ready.

“It should be available at about the same time your paper would be delivered to your door,” said Wise.

The addition of the electronic publication will not alter the product available at the News’ Web site, www.mountvernonnews.com, said News Webmaster Joshua Morrison.

“The Web site offers things our print version can’t offer, like breaking news, image galleries, video and discussions,” Morrison said. “Those attributes won’t change.”

The News added a published Web site in 2003; video was added in 2006.

“The Web is a complement to the print edition,” Morrison said.

Few family-owned, independent newspapers offer an e-edition, which continues to put the News on the cutting edge of hometown journalism.

This forward-reaching endeavor will be free of charge for the first month to allow readers the opportunity to explore the user-friendly e-edition. Readers will be required to sign up for a username and password for access to the electronic edition.

“We want former, current and future readers of the News to explore the e-edition and see how easy it is to use as well as its many exciting features,” Culbertson said.

Following the introductory special, those wishing to subscribe to the e-edition will be charged traditional carrier rates. Subscription sales will mirror traditional sales, ranging from single edition sales to yearly subscriptions.

Those taking advantage of the free trial of the e-edition are encouraged to post comments and feedback here.