Starting late this afternoon, the Suffolk News-Herald���s website will have a new look.

Visitors to www.suffolknewsherald.com will see all of the same categories that they are accustomed to – News, Sports, Opinion, Business, Obituaries and others – but in a more navigable, visually appealing format.

The site also will contain new features, including self-contained photo galleries from major community events. Video also will become an important part of the new site.

The new website also features a significant change in functionality: Only registered users will be able to read comments posted by other readers.

“We have a few readers who don’t like to read the comments,” said Tim Reeves, the newspaper’s editor. “Now they don’t have to. Casual readers and one-time visitors will not see the comments unless they sign up as registered users.”

All current registered users must re-register on the new site.

“Unfortunately, we were unable to migrate our database of registered users to the new site,” Reeves said. “We apologize for the inconvenience, but readers will have to take a few minutes to register again.”

To register on the new site when it goes live later today:

• Navigate to www.suffolknewsherald.com.
• At the top of the page (beneath Suffolk News-Herald logo), there is a link that says “Register.” Click on that.
• This will take you to a page where you will need to answer several questions.
• After you have answered all of the questions in the form and submitted it, you will receive an e-mail that contains your password.
• This password is automatically generated, so we recommend that you change your password to something easier to remember. To change your password, log onto the site by clicking on the “Log in” link at the very top of the page (beneath Suffolk News-Herald logo).
• Once you have logged in, you will see a link that says “My Profile.” Click on that link.
• Scroll down to the section that says “New Password” and enter your new password twice. Click the “Update Profile” button.

A reader must submit valid, verifiable first and last names, telephone number and e-mail address when registering. Readers who use fictitious names or contact information will be banned as registered users.

“We are using this transition to a new site to bring more accountability to the comments feature,” Reeves said. “When registering, readers should read our Terms of Use closely. Flagrant violations of our Terms of Use will result in the reader being banned.”

Readers are encouraged to call or email with comments or suggestions about the new site.

“Like any website, the new www.suffolknewsherald.com is a work in progress,” Reeves said. “Our web team has spent many hours creating an attractive, user-friendly site, but we will continue to work hard over the next few weeks to iron out bugs and make it even better.”