01/24/2001

By Gerry Barker / DallasNews.com

Welcome to a new edition of "Ask the Manager," where you are invited to ask us your questions about our Web site: What can we do better? What would like to see us add? What are your favorite features? Your ideas and suggestions are also encouraged. Send e-mail to . Include your name and address. If your question is used, we'll send you a DallasNews.com mousepad.

The breaking news surrounding the capture of the seven Texas convicts prompted several readers to write us:

"I usually watch Yahoo for the latest news on the Web, however, you have changed my mind. You have the scoop on the 3 Texas fugitives caught in Colorado Springs. I am very impressed! Keep up the great work." – Sheri Marshall.

And:

"I'm very impressed with your coverage of breaking news as evidenced by your front page story today on the capture of three of the Texas 7. I heard a snippet on the radio about the story and I immediately went to DallasNews.com to get the facts. Thanks for being my source for national and local news. So many of the other news sites lack the timeliness and coverage that your site does." – Tina Young.

You may wonder how our Web news coverage differs from our newspaper coverage. I want to take you behind the scenes and talk about how we cover news on the Web, including how the Web staff works with our parent newspaper, The Dallas Morning News.

On DallasNews.com we have our own editorial staff that works closely but independently from the editorial staff at The Dallas Morning News. Our primary goal is simple: Update news as it happens. And since news can happen at any time, we have editors on duty close to 24 hours a day. When you need information, whether it's a weather forecast, breaking news or the news that happens right here at home, we want you make DallasNews.com your first stop on the Net.

Our editors have access to the same news services as the newspaper, including the Associated Press. In addition, Dallas Morning News reporters and photographers work with the Web staff to file early versions of breaking stories and photos prior to their print publication. In many cases, because the Web doesn't have the same space restrictions as the newspaper, you'll enjoy extra coverage of news on our Web site. This includes:

• Slideshows. We can package related photos together to give our readers the photos that can't, for space reasons, be printed in the newspaper. These have been a popular addition in sports, news and features.

• Audio. Because the Web can deliver multimedia, we can augment the news with audio. This is used throughout the site, including commentary by photographers who describe the thought processes behind their photography. Somewhat similar to the director's commentary available on some DVD movies.

• Full-text reports. Our "unlimited" newsprint also allows us to publish reports and supplemental material in its entirety. A recent example is the report on the seven Texas prison escapees. Two of our editors hand-typed its 16 pages for our Web audience, which also demonstrates the extraordinary commitment we have to our readers.

• Graphics. News and art illustrations can "come to life" literally as our Web design team adds animation and special effects to enhance and advance story telling.

All together, we have an editorial staff of more than 20 editors and designers all working to make DallasNews.com your best source of local news and information. They welcome your feedback and suggestions.

New and notable

• Card Stock. Everyone enjoys getting a personal greeting card in their e-mail and we have a way to send your best wishes to friends and family electronically. Called "Card Stock," it offers a growing selection of original art and outstanding photography to which you can add a personal greeting. Watch for our new Valentine's cards coming soon. Find it here: http://www.dallasnews.com/cardstock/

• Make Us Your Home Page. Is DallasNews.com your home page? It could be, and it couldn't be easier. Just click on the link "Make this your home page" which you can find on the left side of our home page under the menu bar on the left. Then you'll always start with the news you need.

• Internet Extras. Just our name implies, this is where you can find enhanced content produced for the Web all in one place. Take a few moments and browse this file – you find features here that address almost any interest. Find it here: http://www.dallasnews.com/extra/

• Classic Cowboys. Okay, the Boys didn't go all the way this year. But that's even a better reason to relive past glory. The latest edition spotlights previous Super Bowls. While you are there, take a look at the anniversary of the playoff battle that featured the Roger Staubach/Drew Pearson "Hail Mary" pass. Find it here: http://www.dallasnews.com/sports_day/football/classiccowboys/

Remember, we love to hear from our readers. You can find our email addresses here: http://www.dallasnews.com/contactus/metro.htm

Thanks for reading.