NEW LOOK: CHANGING CHANGES

The alterations include new typefaces, different approaches to presenting articles and photos, and a new youth section that begins on the back page each week. But some minor criticism has also surfaced. In response, The Evangelist is tweaking its new design. Read on to find out how.

"Just got the new paper -- looks great," wrote the editor of another Catholic newspaper. "I really like it. It's a classic look that's also current and much easier to read."

A diocesan priest wrote: "I commend you on the changes. I like the new format and find it easy to follow." Said a parish secretary: "It looks crisp and much more inviting to the reader."

Enthused another reader: "Thumbs up. It's cleaner, pleasing and easy to read. Others should emulate you."

A few readers were briefly disoriented by the changes. For example, although the daily Bible readings remained on the same page as always (with Rev. Roger Karban's Scripture column), several people phoned to say they could not find them. They remain on the same page under the headline "Daily Bible Readings," but the listing has moved from the bottom to the middle of the page.

Other readers, sure that movie reviews had been eliminated, asked for them to be restored. In fact, they have appeared under the heading "Movie reviews" on the third last page of every issue since May 30.

The general praise for the changes was sprinkled with some minor criticisms, most of it centering around the photo captions. Many readers have found them too small to read with ease. "The print is a finer style and rather small," complained one e-mailer. "It is more difficult to read, especially for senior citizens." Agreed another: "Your type under most pictures is difficult to read, if not impossible."

Several readers also asked that the addresses of columnists like Rev. John Dietzen ("Question Box"), Rev. Edgar Holden ("Bits & Bites") and Charlie Martin (music review) be included, as they had been in issues before the changes. And several readers missed what they called the "little monk," an illustration that had appeared with Father Holden's column until the changes.

In response to that reader reaction, The Evangelist has taken the following actions:

1. The addresses of Fathers Dietzen and Holden, and Mr. Martin will be included as often as space permits;

2. Captions have been increased in size to improve readability; and

3. Father Holden's "monk logo," a favorite of many readers, has returned from exile.

We hope those alterations take us from 99 percent approval to perfection. If not, we're still listening to readers, a process that never ends.

(06-27-02)