I think any time a site is redesigned there are going to be problems -- technical and otherwise. I think the FF team is really in a good position to be getting this type of feedback too because if I got feedback like this it would help me out immensely.

I just redesigned my Fresno news & information site too -- lateupdate.com -- and it has a lot of the things that people are saying is now missing from this site. It's a redesign but it was really about getting the cleanest code for my site as I'm about to do some major stuff there as well.

The only thing bad about this is that the Fresno Bee said they would not change the site dramatically. I think it's just that the Fresno Bee is taking a step in a new direction and I'd be interested to see what the cool new features will be in the future here.

Here's what Valerie Bender said at the time:

The website will not change dramatically. Often known for taking shots at The Fresno Bee, FresnoFamous.com will continue to enjoy its independence from The Bee and will continue to host candid and open conversations on any topic of interest.

"Our hope is that many things that Jarah Euston had planned for the site's growth will come to fruition through the multitude of resources we have. It is also our intention to retain the personality behind FresnoFamous.com and that those in the public who currently participate in the site will continue to do so. We also hope others will join those conversations and make future contributions to FresnoFamous.com as we grow its readership."