A “Social Media Community” has debuted here at www.mpnews.net.

Several user-friendly features have been added as the Mt. Pleasant News and Mt. Pleasant Shopper have changed completely the look of their Web site. The site stresses a “community” aspect because of opportunities for users to contribute their own information and ideas – as well as obtain the most information available online at a single site about Mt. Pleasant and Henry County.

Users will find more local stories and photos immediately visible, according to the Mt. Pleasant News staff. And for the first time, newspaper subscribers will be able to read complete versions of our printed stories online.

Current subscribers must contact the News at phone (319) 385-3131 to obtain a user name and password. This added feature is at no extra cost.

Local businesses and services are listed in a comprehensive, searchable directory also immediately visible for users to click. Both businesses and individuals have opportunities to join the “Social Media Community,” which provides links to Facebook, Twitter and other social media.

The site also enhances companies’ online search capabilities and provides user data breakdowns.

There are virtually unlimited opportunities to use this community to create, expand or bring together every place a user wants to be online, the News staff says. For example, a business can link to any existing Web page, to Facebook, Twitter, related brand sites and set up its own ‘microsite’ as desired.

Member users may upload stories or photos, create blogs or comment on contributions made by other members. A “Join” button leads users to a page that shows four basic types of memberships:

n     Premium iMember®, which provides complete online access plus a newspaper subscription;

n     iMember®, which is complete online access;

n     bizMember®, which allows businesses to provide a variety of offers and information, as well as enhance and link any existing online activity; and

n     orgMember®, a similar opportunity for qualified charitable helping organizations to provide online information and services.

Additional information about these membership opportunities is available on the “Join” page.

The site’s home page includes local news and photos listed beginning on the upper left, including the obituary section, with featured photos in the center. Stories and photos submitted by members appear in the middle and offers from local business members appear on the right.

A menu of special pages for photo purchases, lifestyles, classifieds, sports and other popular features is “clickable” across the top of the page.

For more information about joining the Mt. Pleasant News “Social Media Community,” email pub@mnews.net or call (319) 385-3131.