Oh. My. God. Seriously, it’s a work of genius. I really don’t say that very often either. It’s not even so much that it’s there, you know, but the fact that it’s quick and easy to access. I usually dread clicking on photos or videos because it usually means opening up a new window, loading plugins–and who want to deal with that? This is a very slick implementation of AJAX, I absolutely love how easy it is to view all the extra material (especially the video, it’s easy like YouTube, but the quality is suburb).

On a side note, are you considering allowing embedding of the videos, á la YouTube or Brightcove? I think that would really be a huge advantage for CNN and would drive a significant amount of traffic to the site.

Great job, and keep up the good work.

I’m diggin these “mosiacs”. Great improvements on the layout. I also like how you have the choice to either click the link as you are reading the story or click on top for the pics, videos after you read it. The “We Recommend” section is an added plus also.

Do we have to wait until July 1st.???? Keep these little teasers coming!!!

Will you be putting the text story alongside every video story? Many of us would appreciate that. I do most of my websurfing from the office during the day (I’m sure I’m not the only one!) and so I can’t play sound through my speakers.

I’m always eager to read the text side of the story. If CNN offers video-only on a story, I usually google the headline to see if I can get the text from somewhere else.

One possible solution - Could you put “closed captioning” on the videos? Then we can read along with the video while we’re at work. I’m not a web designer so I don’t know if this is possible….But something worth looking into!

I love CNN.com. On the other hand, some of the videos you offer are too…raw. Perhaps you’re aiming for a younger audience. I’m of the baby boom variety.

I really don’t want to even read the teaser lines that are sometimes just…gross. I would say the area called “Only on CNN” is where I’m likely to read some disturbing titles. Please tone it down a bit.

Regards,
Nancy

P.S. I like how the site looks. Love Quick Vote.

What about story/text only options? One of the things that has driven me away from CNN.com more and more lately has been the fact that a number of stories are video only, and often I can’t view those due to work or other factors.

I liked the beta site - but I’m with Jen as far as generally preferring text for most stories. I think a lot of people sneak in some websurfing while at the office - which is bad enough without sitting around watching video clips while we’re really supposed to be working…..

PLEASE take the suggestion of having text versions of all the stories I also rarely click on stories if they have only video, partly because I don’t want to sit through the commercials.

Other than that I think the beta looks great. Keep up the good work!

I really do like the new look. Less cluttered, much easier to get around. I work from home so I don’t have a problem with viewing videos while working. However, many times I prefer to read the article and do not choose the video. So, the option of text/video would be my preference. I noticed the choice of emailing video (Very Nice!) but I can’t make it full screen (not too happy about that). All in all, it will be an improvement.

I like the direction you are going with the site, but I think they could be a little more orginized. I love the 3-tab stories. Also, I have to agree about the “Watch Now” with no story. Alot of us visit your site from the work place, and in todays day and age, with firewalls and restrictions, many of us are unable to stream video to our desktops and it is really frustrating to see a catchy title on a vid and have to wait untill you get home to watch it. But all in all, a good direction!!! Keep up the good work!!

For all those people who were having trouble watching cnn video on firefox browser - and there are a lot of them - if you google the problem - you have to download a firefox windows media player extension - to see the video- I don’t recall cnn site under help - telling people this - It took me months to find this out. - Cnn site was useless to help with this problem.

I’ll say this much: Having more than the five latest stories to peruse is a definite improvement.

I think the look is just fantastic… Please keep up the good work. CNN online is my main source of NEWS. Unfortunatly I can’t watch the CNN on television because of the “Locked in CNN Logo on the tv screen a lot of the “locked” in Live logo has permanantly burned these logos into my screen and will anyone’s if they keep CNN on longer than about 1 1/2 to 2 hours per day on CNN….. hope you have the pull from this new look to get the television change fixed also.
I’ve emailed everyone I can about this problem but have NEVER received a response.
Thanks at least for your Web Site and hard work and “asking” what we think and willing to make changes.
Good Luck and thanks in advance.

I am not that impressed with the new beta layout. I come to the CNN website over 10 times a day, and I found the beta to be less than easy to navigate. I really liked the old style, because I could go right to the US and LAW sections, and work my way around from there. I didn’t see the LAW and separate themed areas like Technology in the beta. I hope CNN understands that all of us don’t want to read about politics and sports and avoid those sections. Improvements are good if they don’t hinder the flow.

Mr. Gellman,
This is excellent in terms of both usefulness and effectiveness. I think you can count on being copied by the other news network websites, which you should consider a compliment. I hope to see CNN implement more of this on their other stories. The Sphere function is also a great idea.

How about implementing Digg and Del icio us tabs as well?

http://www.regimeofterror.com

I would like to add my voice to those who are asking for text versions of ALL stories - the ones that are video only aren’t accessible to me for various reasons, and it’s disappointing to see a headline that I can’t click into and read the story.

I have to add an, “Oh, My God” as well. I’m impressed. Your site improvements are wonderful! Much more user friendly, easier on the eyes and I love the integration. I was actually stunned when I made my way through the new site. What an improvement, no kidding. I agreee with Mark about the beta section tabs, however, the trade offs at this point are so worth it to me and in truth, if you take a minute, you can still find what section you prefer. However, I am concerned about your plans to compile news stories for your viewers based on what they have previously read and watched. Thanks but no thanks. I prefer my own news experience, sans “help” from CNN. Allowing CNN to do it for me, based on my previous news stories read and watched, feels way too Patriot Act data banking for me. I mean isn’t it also the height of laziness to allow someone else to decide what stories and videos I will watch and read under the guise of convenience? Also feels very contrived, manipulated and way too Alberto Gonzales for me. I would prefer to continue selecting my own news experiences. I feel we’re already too manipulated by the news corps by who and what YOU decide to cover or not cover. Thanks for the offer but I’ll pass on that “improvement.”

I don’t feel so pushed to see the video stories. I really like the articles and the additional pictures, in the Lego man story, it’s so much more attractive in the new format……will enjoy it even more……

I agree with those who want text available on all stories. Currently five of the top stories are video only. If I wanted video I would watch TV. I always listen to Internet music while I use the computer. To watch a video clip I have to unbury the music program and mute it or pause it, next I have to mute the inevitable adds and watch for the news story to begin. When done I have to refire the music. I suspect the video clips have more to do with advertising revenues than sayisfying customers. For video clips I’ll use You Tube or Google , etc.

I like the fact that we can respond to your stories.

I like the Integrated stories (mosaics). It is very helpful and makes access easier. I also like having the latest stories at the bottom of the page so you can acess the latest news from the same page. Like others have stated above - I also like the option of text with the Videos as the Videos usually take more time to bring up on screen (due to commercials which I know are necessary but time consuming and frustrating). So, if I don’t have alot of time the text is all I need. If I have time, the Videos are great but I’d prefer to have the option to choose.
Thanks.

Oh forgot to mention even though you didn’t ask. I LOVE the BLOGS.
And I like them much better than the Feedback option which I find more difficult to use AND most times do not want to divulge the necessary personal info required just to state my opinion. I am still leary about divulging personal info to the World! One has to be careful these days. When I feel comfortable on a site I stay with it.