Letter from the publisher: Xpress’ new look for 2009

Dear reader,

You’ll note some changes in this week’s Mountain Xpress. Perhaps the most obvious is that the paper’s slightly shorter. But you’ll also find design changes throughout the issue that we’re excited about. A lot of energy and creativity has gone into them.

The size change was mandated by our printer, which is rebuilding its presses (at substantial cost) as part of an ongoing commitment to excellence. As a result, the presses now require slightly smaller paper. The change is part of a broader shift embraced by newspapers around the country.

But this meant we had to rework our design templates, so we took the opportunity to revisit all the little additions and changes made piecemeal over the past few years. Our designers wanted the paper to feel more cohesive and be easier to navigate. Toward that end, they streamlined, reducing visual clutter. Section headers all have a similar look and feel, incorporating a system of icons. The whole thing is a work in progress, so please let us know your reactions.

But when it comes to the words and images—the soul of the enterprise—Xpress remains the same. You’ll find the same local focus, the same amount of stories, and the same goal of journalistic excellence in the name of informing the area’s active, thoughtful readers.

Read onward, then: Exciting times lie ahead.

— Jeff Fobes, publisher

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Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

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4 thoughts on “Letter from the publisher: Xpress’ new look for 2009

  1. jeff hersk

    9 out of 10 optometrists heartily endorse recent changes to the Mountain Express typography.

    “Honey, who’s playing at the Grey Eagle tonight?”
    “Hell, I don’t know. I’ll just drive by and read the marquis.”

  2. Piffy!

    i am completely against anything changing ever. everything should be as it always has been from the beginning of time 3000 years ago.

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