THUNDER BAY – The one constant in the world of information is change. Over the past five years, readership on NetNewsledger.com has grown drastically. That growth has come as a result of people in Thunder Bay, Northwestern Ontario, and around the world seeking news and information about our special part of the globe.
This site has changed several times over the past five years. We started as a news and information site using css and html. We migrated to Joomla, and a just over a year ago to WordPress as the foundation of the cms powering the site.
As NNL has changed and evolved, we have done everything live and right in front of you, our readers. It is what we call our “NASA approach”. That is based on the principle embraced by the American space program to broadcast their missions live to the public. You get to see what is happening, as it happens.
In 2011 you will witness more changes on NNL; This will include expansion into some exciting areas. These changes are coming with strategic partnerships and alliances across the region.
One area that we have continually heard from our readers is that they want more coverage of local bands and the local music scene. We have formed a strategic alliance with the Urban Boutique to expand coverage of that scene.
Already we have been testing live-streaming of events in Thunder Bay. A few weeks ago, we tested the live-streaming of a fashion show. Over the coming weeks and months we are planning live Internet television with discussion panels to talk about the issues of the day here in Thunder Bay. As well there will be social and entertainment features both live-streamed and recorded.
But still there is more…
We have also created a new residentialism portal for Thunder Bay – www.thesleepinggiant.ca which will offer ‘The softer side of NetNewsledger.com’ including information on local events, shopping, dining, real estate, churches, exploring the region, and updates on charities.
When you want to know what is happening in the region, it is our hope that you will “Seek out The Sleeping Giant” for answers. After all, sitting across from the city since the beginning, “The Sleeping Giant knows”.
In addition, into 2011 we will be featuring information on The Ring of Fire on a new portal www.theringoffire.ca – There we will offer a means for First Nations, communities across the region, businesses seeking opportunities in The Ring of Fire to connect with each other.
The Ring of Fire portal is under construction right now, as is The Sleeping Giant website.
As always, your readership is what has inspired the content on NNL, and your enthusiasm is fueling more growth and evolution as we continue to offer you more information.
There have been over one million readers on NetNewsledger.com since the journey started. In 2011, we plan on taking the next big steps to help make Thunder Bay an even better place than ever before.
Thank you for continuing to join us on the journey.
James Murray