Welcome to the new msnbc.com

Posted by Jennifer Sizemore on Saturday, November 10, 2007 3:35 AM PT
Though we are in a bit of a remodeling period as we continue through the weekend working to make sure the site works as it should, we have rolled out many of the changes we've been promising all week.
 
We have been working toward this for a long time, and we couldn't be more excited about finally being able to share it with you.
 
Tell us what you think, and what you'd like to see next. We can't wait to keep working to make the site better for you.
 
Update at 11:44 p.m. PT
 
Did we mention that change is hard? We have a couple of days of hard work in front of us. If your favorite thing is missing, it's likely still being perfected. Things you think don't work quite right are still being developed so that they work.
 
Here are some things that you don't see now but will:
 
Near the top of the home page, there will be a section that you can customize for your local news and weather. Many of you are looking for your personalized information -- don't worry, we didn't forget you, it will already be set to your preferences.
 
Your local weather (or whatever ZIP code you choose) will display at the top of the page.
 
In Business, you'll be able to get the latest on the stocks in your portfolio. In Sports, you'll be able to get the scores you care most about.
 
And in the weeks to come, you'll see more of the changes that you've requested.
 
We'll keep you updated as we work through the weekend.
 

Comments

I certainly hope that the absence of the daily crossword puzzle is not a permanent feature of this new format.  The crossword is one of my husband and my favorite feature.  We can sit and work on it together trying to beat our best time.  I have not been able to find it anywhere in the new format, so am trusting that it is one of the features that is being fine tuned.  Please tell me that this is the case.
Judy in Tampa, FL

Judith Woerner, Tampa, FL (Sunday, November 11, 2007 11:30 AM)

For the most part, I like it.

C. Miller, San Antonio, Tx (Sunday, November 11, 2007 11:46 AM)

Miss being able to customize my home page....weather, sports etc.   Don't mind the new design and might get used to it, but would like to customize as previously.  

Sue A., Clarksburg, NJ (Sunday, November 11, 2007 11:48 AM)

Overall, i like the new design.  A periodic rethinking and refresh of any sites design is essential in my book - evolve or fossilize  In particular, the channels + headlines approach is simple in concept and easy to use.

One glaring, if not visually offensive, design element: the upper-right ad block should not be the same size or larger than your lead image - you are a news & information site, not a tabloid.

The page loads quickly now - so shrink the ads, enlarge the thumbnail images and showcase your lead image.  The compelling image will pull my attention to the next level for any featured item.  Emphasize the visual - you are a multi-media information service...

CMz (Sunday, November 11, 2007 11:56 AM)

I'll resist jumping on the "I hate it" bandwagon and use it a few days before I make a judgement on the changes. As a fellow web developer (on a much smaller scale), I know how hard it is to do what you're doing.

My only comment for now is now having local preferences available at launch was a poor decision (IMO). It's forced me to go to other websites to get info I need now, while I'm waiting for those features to re-appear.  Hopefully I won't find a new site I like better than MSNBC.

Here's to wishing you luck in the changeover and a sincere  hope that when all is said and done, the new design will let me keep MSNBC as my homepage!

Steve, Richmond, VA (Sunday, November 11, 2007 12:02 PM)

MSNBC has been my home page for the last 5 years, and have seen it go through a few changes (none this dramatic), so I will reserve judgment for a bit until I use it more. But I must say how obnoxious I find the irrelevant sponsored ad links all the way down the side of seemingly every article.  Is this just a way to try squeezeing out some pay-per-click ad revenues in the event I inadvertantly click on a link?  Please...don't cheapen MSNBC.com this way.

R. King, Vancouver, BC (Sunday, November 11, 2007 12:29 PM)

Nothing ventured...nothing gained! Keep up the good work! Some California psychology: anything that moves the status quo is good...Takes a while to learn new tricks...Even for a few of us ol dogs...At least we made it here...

Gregory Schellin, Bellevue, NE (Sunday, November 11, 2007 3:33 PM)

is it just me,  or Sarfari? I can't seem to find where you can type in   "www.yaktysmack.com" and go somewhere else! i can live with the changes, although I don't see that it was all necessary. Hope you didn't spend a lot of bucks on it!!

Jim F., Chattanooga, Tn (Sunday, November 11, 2007 3:43 PM)

Nice job. Clean and clear.

william lundy 556 Onondaga, Ypsilanti, MI (Sunday, November 11, 2007 4:09 PM)

To be honest I find the new design not to be an improvement. I have kept MSNBC.com as my home page for years because I could check the headlines at a glance, This new design may be exciting to some but to me it is an unnecessary change to an otherwise well laid out web site, This is not a welcomed change.

Robert Hoffman, Oakhurst,NJ (Sunday, November 11, 2007 4:14 PM)

This new format is busy, cluttered, and non-intuitive.  There is no improvement here, only change for change sake.  There are a lot better alternatives out there and though I have favored MSNBC in the past, it will now go away.

Steve Carlson, McKinleyville, (Sunday, November 11, 2007 4:17 PM)

Why would you change the best website for news on the internet for a colorful array of mish-mash.MSNBC, you have let your readers down, did we vote on this? or was it the brainchild of another CEO who plans to retire early. Come on get with the program the public has spoken go back, yes go back to the other format we will not hold this stupid idea against you. Remember Coke made a similar mistake years back and tried to sell the public a "New Coke" well lets sell the public the old MSNBC web page

joe hartman, vancouver,wa. (Sunday, November 11, 2007 4:25 PM)

Much better than CNN; just so you let us customize.
Carl Berglund, Rockport, MA

ctage@verizon.net (Sunday, November 11, 2007 4:29 PM)

Nice job! I like the new design. Granted, the old design was simple but I got somewhat bored with it.  I like the way the new catagories look and are layed out.  I also like the ability to choose the quantity of stories for the sections.  The overall look is good - tastefull but not gaudy.  I want my weather back so hurry up! I will be interested in watching the upcoming changes.        

Stuart Roffman, Guilderland, NY (Sunday, November 11, 2007 4:44 PM)

Yes, it is only natural that change is generally not welcomed because we have adapted to the way things were.  MSNBC, your website didn't change, it became worse than CNN.  It is not easy to navigate, the design is tasteless and flat out, yes I am changing my homepage and news source as a result.  Stop with the madness and change it back, read what the majority is telling you.  Seriously, change it back while some of our minds are still in limbo due to a little hope that the change soon be gone.

Travis Reed, Lafayette, Indiana (Sunday, November 11, 2007 4:49 PM)

The new design is well done. MSNBC is now easier to navigate. I like it much better.

Bryan Nau, Dallas, Texas (Sunday, November 11, 2007 4:53 PM)

Excellent in every way, especially the added customizability.  I'm also very happy to see that you've restored the time the page was updated, instead of the "as of x minutes ago," which was mmeaningless if you hadn't just loaded the page.

Steven Zimmerman, Eugene, OR (Sunday, November 11, 2007 4:55 PM)

I like the new site very much.  Easy on the eyes and easy to navigate.

Gloria Gabler, Phoenix, AZ (Sunday, November 11, 2007 5:10 PM)

It is looking good, however the screen view is too wide.

Bob, Butler, NJ (Sunday, November 11, 2007 5:31 PM)

Change is always good.  Just not too often so that we can't keep up.  That said, looks good.

T. Olvie (Sunday, November 11, 2007 5:46 PM)

Wow, I thought it was just me having a hard time finding my way around this redesign.  The number of readers who had MSNBC as their home page (as I do) and are now changing should be indicative of the dissatifaction to these changes.  I, too, am considering changing my home page.

Al Sawchak (Sunday, November 11, 2007 6:00 PM)

I don't like the new design AT ALL.  There was not much wrong with the old site.  
It looks like a bunch of randomly placed articles--it's hard to determine which are the headlining pieces.

MBR, Boston, MA (Sunday, November 11, 2007 6:00 PM)

The responses appear to be a typical classic vs contemporary battle. I applaud the changes along with the recent upgrades to the Nightly News & Countdown sets. Great job to all involved. Leadership is always harder than following or doing nothing.

Jim K., Sheboygan, WI (Sunday, November 11, 2007 6:01 PM)

I just switched over from USAtoday, this new layout seems ok but it's a bit to early to really tell

Stu Katz (Sunday, November 11, 2007 6:01 PM)

Great job! I love your new design. Really, it's the BEST looking site on the internet! Well laid out design and so pleasing to browse. I love it!

Dr. Greg Crocker (Sunday, November 11, 2007 6:04 PM)

I am so surprised that let go of a good thing to confront us with something that is illegable. I used the site every day and was very happy with the old format. Please go back to it.

Len Ully White Rock british Columbia (Sunday, November 11, 2007 6:12 PM)

Change is a great thing.  The space is clean and the information is concise.  Great work and the colors are perfect!!!!

Pam, San Antonio (Sunday, November 11, 2007 6:12 PM)

Will not go into a rant, but I do not like it, not as easy to navigate, I will give it a few days, but from the looks of it, I'll change too, to a new homepage that is. Shame I have been with MSNBC for years.

Ed , San Antonio, TX (Sunday, November 11, 2007 6:12 PM)

I happen to like the new design.  Yes, it's different and yes, change is difficult.  I like it - looks very well thought out.  

Cynthia, Riverview, FL (Sunday, November 11, 2007 6:17 PM)

It appears as though the new design is less about providing a better news interface and more about cramming as much advertising space on the home page as possible.  The new home page is incredibly slow loading and lacks the color that is NBC's hallmark.  Will the peacock soon be all black?  I'd have to put your new design in the same realm as CNN -- which has always had a terrible website.  This is a very UN-unique website.

John Z, Chandler, AZ (Sunday, November 11, 2007 6:18 PM)

I'm not a fan of the new layout, at least not as it is now.  Unlike many of the other commenters, I didn't customize the old site at all, but that's what I liked -- that I didn't have to do anything custom for everything to be at my fingertips.  Now I can't find things I used to be able to click on within a second of landing on the front page.  And for lack of a more technical take on things, the site now looks much more like an entertainment site than a news one.  (In non-coincidental news, once you navigate there, I do like the new entertainment page.)  I'm only 33 so it's a bummer to already be in "hey you kids, get off my lawn!" mode, but this redesign might have gotten me there.  You are my home page at work and home but I might have to switch it to CNN.com.  I don't love their site, but I prefer it to your new version.

In terms of constructive advice, hopefully there will at least be a way to move the main categories left nav menu up, so you don't have to scroll to get to things you know you'll want to click on at every visit.  

Becca, Washington, DC (Sunday, November 11, 2007 6:19 PM)

Changing to cnn for my home page, I like the stale old page, the news is what counts and it takes to long to load and read. Where is aviation section??

jr, wilmington,de (Sunday, November 11, 2007 6:23 PM)

MSNBC was my homepage specifically for the great layout of the page. It felt like a legitimate news source.  I loved seeing a lot of news on one page and the ease of use. Now your page is looking like other newspages, which is why I dont use them. Thank god you still have the 'flyout' menus. I like being able to scan the headlines without having to click back and forth

Maha N. Los Angeles CA (Sunday, November 11, 2007 6:24 PM)

While I was mildy entertained by reading some of the critiques, I'm actually liking the new design.  MSNBC.com will continue to be my home page.  Good job!

Tom Turnquist, Centennial, CO (Sunday, November 11, 2007 6:25 PM)

You have changed an easy site to navigate and turned it into a terrible site like all the others.  I will be looking for a better site to view the news.

Leon Gray, Okc, Ok (Sunday, November 11, 2007 6:25 PM)

Your new layout is awful.  Fully 1/3 of the screen is ads or headers.  I have to scroll down to get to the "Categories" section to find the news items I'm interested in.  And the titled sections aren't even tabbed (more scrolling).  I liked the old layout where a quick scan let me peruse the headlines before I went on to the "Categories" section.  Guess I'll have to find another news site.  Yours is too hard to use.

Les Barbusinski, San Diego, CA (Sunday, November 11, 2007 6:27 PM)

Please... your statement; "Did we mention that change is hard?"...  This is your profession. Don't whine about it.

Having said that... I do like the new layout.  Takes a bit of discovery but overall great graphics and use of space.  I really like the "extended" flyouts.

Would certainly appreciate more customizability with perhaps a "My News" section where we could have keyword queries saved that would populate personal headlines.

J. Douglas, Lake Mary, FL (Sunday, November 11, 2007 7:08 PM)

And you were so much better than all the rest.  Why do that to me?  

Ads are reminiscent of the era before pop-up blockers, and the stories and sections that were my favorite are now lost somewhere in the mess.

I must say, the ads are the worst part.  I could get used to a new design (after usability has had some time to iron out flaws) but if you sold out to the industry to bombard me with commercials, I will find another site!

Matt, Long Branch NJ (Sunday, November 11, 2007 7:09 PM)

I like everything about the new design, EXCEPT the screen size.  If I change my screen to 75% it is much too small to read.  If I leave it at 100% I have to keep scrolling from side to side.  Because of this I much prefer the old format.
FAB, Irvine, Calif.

faburghardt@sbcglobal.net (Sunday, November 11, 2007 7:18 PM)

I've tried, tried and tried,tried again . . .I still don't like it.   I've honestly tried to give 'change' an honest shot.   I thought I might be one of the few that didn't like it.  But after reading these reply's, I don't feel so bad now.

The new layout doesn't have the WOW factor . . .It's now kinda like, ugh, well, ok  . . .

I think you should have built on some of the strengths of the previous site, rather than take on the let's 'overhaul' it road.

Greg, Salt Lake City, Utah (Sunday, November 11, 2007 7:28 PM)

I'm very impressed with this new layout, as a web designer myself.  The colors are pleasing on the eyes, the layout is clean and easy to navigate, and I like the effect on the msnbc text, adding a sort of bright glow from it.

I see a lot of negativity near the top of this page, however I think that is largely due to the difficulty in using something different than you are used to.

Well done everyone, I'd be proud of this if I had a chance to work on it :-)

Joshua Payette, Silver Spring Maryland (Sunday, November 11, 2007 7:35 PM)

I am sorry but if this design stays , I am gone.  The old design was far more efficient.  Take a look at the BBC site it was more like your old site.  

Please change

Reza , San Diego CA (Sunday, November 11, 2007 7:36 PM)

Not sure why everyone is so critical. I love the new design. Thanks for the change!!

Jackie Henderson Nevada (Sunday, November 11, 2007 7:39 PM)

Please return the quick hyper-link to hotmail that was at the top of the old page.

Jon A Anderson, Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands (Sunday, November 11, 2007 7:42 PM)

there are WAY to many advertisements on my home page. Loved it the way it was! Looking forward to my local weather. Get rid of the blue plane flying across over and over, it's annoying.  Thanks

Lisa Augusta, ky. (Sunday, November 11, 2007 7:53 PM)

This is horrible, I hate it.  The other thing was great.  This is not.  Please undo it.  It is not easy to scan.  I do not necessarily want to keep clicking to get the information I need.

Kay Hancock, Salem, VA (Sunday, November 11, 2007 7:55 PM)

The colored streaks that bleed into the white and gray background near the top of the page are completely ridiculous. I thought my monitor was dying when I first saw it. This weird coloring scheme distracts from the fine usability improvements that were made in the redesign.

Lou J., Hallandale, FL (Sunday, November 11, 2007 7:59 PM)

msnbc.com has been my homepage since I had my first internet connection.  I think the redesign is ridiculous, and should be done away with.  Why change something so close to perfection (at least that was my opinion)?

S Jones, Bellaire, Michigan (Sunday, November 11, 2007 8:08 PM)

I like it!!  The layout is much more streamlined. The last layout chnage was not so good but I got used to it...so I am sure the learning curve on this change will be much easier.

Michele, Tampa, Fl (Sunday, November 11, 2007 8:24 PM)

We all liked our old homepage address, that's why we had it.  The new one, though somewhat confusing and seemingly copying other newspages must somehow be better, like switching from Windows ME to Windows XP.  We hate it at first because we don't know it well.  I will give it a while to see if it is better, but do agree that change is something we have to deal with as we go on.

Kevin Bradley, Sacramento, CA (Sunday, November 11, 2007 8:25 PM)

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