The TimesDaily Forum

The TimesDaily forum placed second in our favorites poll. For several years, the TD had offered a readers forum online, but in November 2006 the Florence-based newspaper initiated an easier to use model powered by eve, a state-of-the-art program for managing online media. Since that time, the TD forum has grown to over seven thousand registered users. Of course, not all who register contribute regularly to the forum, but on any given day the TD forum will outdo other local venues in its visitor count.

Earlier this year, Elizabeth Hoekenga took over the position of media editor and, with it, the directorship of the forum. Miss Hoekenga has made broad changes in the forum design, not all of them eagerly accepted by forum users. Perhaps it's this reason that the the TD forum placed only second in our poll, but despite user issues, this forum remains the ultimate stop for those interested in pithy political issues, both local and national.

With the large number of users has come censorship issues that some readers have referred to as "draconian." Those who use the TD forum should remember that the newspaper and its parent company, the New York Times, take liability issues seriously. Those who post should also remember to place topics in the appropriate section or return to find them moved at best or deleted at worst.

For all the bureaucracy and user complaints, the TD forum remains the go-to source for much of what's happening in the Shoals. It might not be a fun place, but it is informative.


What's up with this: Let's hope the two new Lauderdale County Commissioners are aware that all floors of the new courthouse annex are illuminated 24 hours a day. If readers see this as a waste, please feel free to contact them and tell them that Shoalanda sent you.