You might notice a few changes around here …

The new-look Crikey is here. We reckon our relaunched website is better to navigate and easier to read, with more bells and whistles to keep you coming back. We hope you agree.

Our new online home — combined with the relaunch of our subscription newsletter, Crikey Insider — puts a fresh face on a serious commitment to quality, fiercely independent journalism. We’ve even stamped it in the logo so you won’t forget. With record paid subscribers and website traffic it was time to look as good as we read.

The site features clearly defined “destinations” across the content categories we know you care most about. Articles are easier to find and read, our network of almost 20 blogs feeds directly into the homepage, and new features like the Decoder put a different spin on the news agenda. And it plays to our social media strengths, directly connecting with audiences on Twitter (61,500 followers), Facebook (20,300 likes) and other platforms.

What’s new on the website?

Navigation: It’s easier to find the stories you want via our navigation bar — across POLITICS, BUSINESS, MEDIA, CULTURE, TECHNOLOGY and THE POWER INDEX. Hover your mouse over the subject area and find our sub-topics and “OUR PICK” for that section. Move the mouse over “VIEW A BLOG” to find all your favourites.  And use the new-look Crikey logo to go home …

Homepage content layout: Some of our best stories are now located in our carousel at the top of the page. Click on the headlines to see what it’s about and then click through to read the full article. Below, find more of “OUR PICKS” or click on the other tabs to view “FRESH STUFF” and the stories generating buzz in “MOST READ”. Anything with a green lock means it’s subscriber content — register for a free trial to keep reading.

Decoder: The quotable remarks from the world’s movers and shakers, with a Crikey spin. Move your mouse over the quote and find out what they really meant …

First Dog on the Moon: The latest sketchings from our cartoonist with bite feature on the homepage, or view the full archive of cartoons from Australia’s most adorable cartoonist (he told us to say that) …

Aggregated stories: We’re still compiling the best of the rest of the web, highlighting the stories we love under ELSEWHERE on the right-hand side of the homepage. Our topic pages feature more outside content for that subject area.

Tips: You know our best stories come from your information. Wherever you are on the Crikey website, use the “TIP OFF” function at the very top of the page (it’s in red so you can’t miss it). A window will drop down to quickly and easily share what you know — with anonymity absolutely guaranteed. Of course, you can always email us (offtherecord@crikey.com.au) or give us a call on (03) 8623 9900 …

Topic areas: The best Crikey content is categorised into our key topic areas at the bottom of the homepage, highlighting your favourite writers or the issues really pressing buttons. Click through to the category page to access more content, including the “MUST READ” stories …

Article pages: We reckon reading a Crikey story will be a more pleasant experience online, with a better introduction to get the gist, more information the writer (you can follow them on Twitter), highlighted quotes to draw you in and fonts that are easier on the eye. Importantly, it’s never been easier to tell your friends what you love — the “SHARE” function on the left of the text follows you down the page so you can immediately post the link on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest and LinkedIn. Below the article you’ll find more to read from the writer or in the same category, and you can leave your own comments …

What’s new for subscribers?

Account information: The grey bar at the top of the page is your one-stop-shop for accessing subscriber content and account information. Click “LOGIN/REGISTER” and enter your details to unlock all of Crikey‘s content. Once logged in click on “ACCOUNT” to change your contact details and password or renew your subscription.

Crikey Insider: On the right, the “LATEST EDITIONS” function provides quick access to past Crikey Insider newsletters you may have missed or if you want to read the edition online …

Feedback?

All these changes are designed to make reading and interacting with Crikey easier. So we want to know what you think. Drop us a line with your comments — good or bad — as we continue to refine and improve the user experience. For any subscriber worries contact our team and we’ll help you out.