As of 1 p.

Wednesday, August 11, 1999

As of 1 p.m. today, Lawrence County won’t have to go too far to connect to the world. When The Ironton Tribune’s online edition hits the World Wide Web this afternoon, anyone with computer access will have a bird’s eye view of the county and a fresh perspective on the people and events of the Tri-State.

And while the fully interactive website provides instant news and feedback at the touch of a button, the website is a separate product, a supplement to the comprehensive local coverage residents have come to rely upon the printed edition for, said Jennifer Allen, Tribune publisher.

"Although ink and paper are still important mediums for bringing news and advertising together with consumers, the Internet has provided a whole new arena for information to be disseminated," Ms. Allen said. "The Ironton Tribune is proud to be a part of that new technology, and we hope you will visit our home page often. You will find an ever-growing variety of news, advertising and information for all ages."

This variety of services includes breaking news, sports and community information, as well as the Gateway, which provides visitors with links to the best sources of news, information and services on the Internet.

And, in coming months, the site’s Marketplace will begin to fill, giving residents and website visitors all over the world access to local shops, businesses and service providers, Tribune staff members said.

Perhaps one of the most exciting components of the website is the interactive forums that allow anyone to voice their opinion, and read others’ opinions, right on the World Wide Web, staff members added.

The forums, which act as electronic message boards, are a free service and will contain opinions on everything from the weather to the political issues that matter most to the residents. The topics are unlimited, because residents are able to start a new bulletin board, called a "thread" for any topic they want to publish a comment about.

The topics stay on the Tribune’s website, and registered users may check back periodically for responses from other registered users.

Other features include a search engine and archiving system that will allow readers to search the website for information contained in previously published stories, online subscription services, Internet classified ads, instant E-mail buttons for readers to send their thoughts to the staff, photo galleries and more.

More importantly, the site gives the community 24-hour access to their hometown newspaper and its staff members, Ms. Allen added.

"Thanks to the Internet, our doors will never shut," she said. "So, please feel free to contact us via this site any time you would like with a story idea, commentary or suggestion."