A mockup of what the new Boreal.org homepage might look like. The changes range from an updated logo to an entirely different user interface for the website.
Users of the local Internet service provider Boreal Community Media will notice a change in the website’s design and functionality this coming year. Some of the improvements will be behind-the-scenes – such as updated hardware to increase security and reliability – while other changes will be an overhaul of Boreal’s online appearance.
By updating old equipment Boreal will avoid issues like the four-day email shutdown that happened earlier this November. With an update to the design of the website and its other services, Boreal hopes to increase traffic to their site as well as endear a younger demographic to their services.
Anne Brataas, Boreal’s new development director since September, says Boreal will interact with sponsors differently. Brataas is tasked with expanding Boreal’s impact through grant writing and increased partnerships with community organizations and businesses. With the new model, sponsors can sign on, with varying levels of access and visibility, for a five-tiered level of sponsorship ranging from $250 to $5,000 a year.
The project was funded by a grant from the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation in Duluth. When asked about the expected changes, Boreal’s Eric Block said, “We’re still working through some technical issues, so it’s premature to name a launch date, but we hope to continue an ongoing partnership with the Johnson Foundation and all others who see the need and the value of Boreal.org to make this transition.”
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