And we’re live. Welcome to The Burgs
Blacksburg
Hello and thank you.
Thank you for checking out The Burgs, a new community website for and by residents of Blacksburg, Christiansburg and the entire New River Valley.
For and by — what’s that mean exactly?
It’s for you, as in we have you in mind when we send out our staff to cover news and features across the valley. We will be introducing The Burgs’ journalists to you here, one-by-one, each day this week.
Some are familiar faces, like Blacksburg native Matt Gentry, who’s always had his camera by his side in 13 years of working for The Roanoke Times.
Others are new, like Christiansburg hometown son Travis Williams, who fills a new role on our staff as community journalist.
A description of Travis’ job helps explain the latter part of our “for and by” motto. Much of what you’ll see on this site will be provided by you, or someone you know. We hope you spot Travis out in the community and say hello. He will be reaching out and helping you get your community news, event info and photos on our site.
Once it’s published here, we may choose to include what you’ve submitted in our sister print publication. Beginning Sept. 29, The Burgs will publish Thursdays through Sundays in the New River Valley editions of The Roanoke Times.
We hope you’ll check back here often or find us on Twitter @TheBurgsNRV or Facebook.
And with that, The Burgs begins. Let us know how we’re doing as we pull out of the gate.
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Wrong name choice. Miss the Current already. Unsubscribed from the Roanoke Times as I’m sure many others will. Maybe they’ll change my city’s name to Radfordburg.
Comment by Elle — September 27, 2011 @ 12:19 pm
Very different…will just take some getting used to.
Comment by News Reader — September 27, 2011 @ 1:26 pm
Disappointing change. How would most of your readers feel if your paper decidecided that Lynchburg was the more vibrant community in the Roanoke Lynchburg market and changed its focus to that city? EVERYONE I’ve talked with in Radford, Dublin, Pulaski feel that this is wrong headed and from the look of the posts so far, it is only focussing on Blacksburg, Christiansburg and Montgomery County.
I will look forward to the return of the NRV Current or the future iteration of whatever this paper will be.
Comment by David — September 27, 2011 @ 3:59 pm
Blacksburg and Christiansburg are not the NRV. They are but a small portion of it. It is very sad that those two areas can overshadow the rest of the New River Valley. I see there is a VT link, what about the Radford University link? Hmm I guess we know who is paying the salary’s here.
Comment by Traci — September 27, 2011 @ 4:48 pm
Thank you all for commenting. This is Day 1, so I hope you’ll be patient as we build the site and our network of contributors from across the New River Valley. If you dig a little deeper on the site you’ll see our first links to …
• Radford http://blogs.roanoke.com/theburgs/2011/09/27/rabid-skunk-confirmed-in-radford/
• Pearisburg http://blogs.roanoke.com/theburgs/2011/09/16/kids-wait-out-the-thunder-at-the-pool/
• Eastern Montgomery http://blogs.roanoke.com/theburgs/2011/09/26/photos-eastern-montgomery-vs-bland-county/
We have much more planned, but we’ll be counting on readers to help represent their community by sending in their photos and community news. That email is news@theburgs.com.
Thanks again,
Carole Tarrant
Editor
The Roanoke Times
Comment by Carole Tarrant — September 27, 2011 @ 5:19 pm
Ugh!!! Someone from Blacksburg must have designed this paper.
What about all the mountain communities — not to mention Radford — that read The Current. I guess we’re just not that important anymore, since we’re just the hometown folks make Blacksburg and Christiansburg the stars of the universe.
Even something as simple as the New River Valley Current would have been a lot better. Count me out as a reader.
As I said in the first sentence — Ugh!!! I’ll subscribe to the Southwest Times. At least they pretend to care about us.
Comment by Shirley — September 27, 2011 @ 5:53 pm
Woa!!! Everyone, throttle back…just a little. Don’t be so sensitive. Clearly they named this section
to be easy and have a bit of humor to it. Why such vitriolic hatred toward Blacksburg and Christiansburg?
Instead, why don’t all of you ‘from the Mountain communities – which if you get as literal as the postings
here would never be included in the New River VALLEY anyway…you aren’t in a valley! Dumb logic, right?
That’s the kind of stuff you are all tossing around here. Why not:
A: Give them a chance
B: CONTRIBUTE!!! Send in YOUR photos + news items from non-burg places
C: Acknowledge that actually, the bulk of population, jobs and business ARE in the ‘Burgs’ and enjoy
the towns and this news section
D: Acknowledge that no one is making this “Stars of the Universe”…its just a news paper special section
that serves the most populated region of the valley (Montgomery County) – which with 94,500+ residents does
hold a great deal of influence in our region; just as Roanoke holds an even bigger influence in our region.
And I don’t see folks moaning and crying about that.
E: Have some fun, and CONTRIBUTE to include yourselves…GEEZE.
Comment by LOVE NRV — September 27, 2011 @ 6:20 pm
You must work for the Roanoke Times, LoveNRV! I don’t think Ms. Tarrant gets it. The name is a slap in the face to those that don’t live in the “Burgs”. It’s extremely inconsiderate to all those living in Radford, Dublin, Riner, etc. You’ve managed to make is seem as though if you don’t live in Christiansburg or Blacksburg, you don’t count. I’m just amazed that you thought this was a good idea. You can put all the content you want on these pages and most that don’t live in the “burgs”, aren’t going to care one way or another. You’ve managed to offend and tick off a lot of people, and that isn’t going away until that ridiculous name does.
Comment by Dee — September 27, 2011 @ 9:05 pm
I’m disappointed this newspaper is allowing personal attacks on comments meant for the editor. ‘Dumb logic’? LOVNRV, You said it, your comments are exactly that — dumb. Your comment and attitude are typical of people in Blacksburg and Christiansburg. We love NRV too, and according to Virginia government, we ARE in the NRV. Your comment toward ‘mountain communities’ was a slap in the face to anyone who doesn’t live in ‘The Burgs.” That’s a great start for someone trying to dumb up readers for the ‘money’ towns — as you put it. GEEZ get some HUMILITY!!
Comment by Shirley — September 28, 2011 @ 9:08 am
This website is cluttered. Learn some organization skills, learn your community, then present us with another paper and website idea. The Burgs? Really? LOL, burg off! We’re more than just Christiansburg and Blacksburg. They may be our economic “hub,” but look at them … do we really want to be defined by two communities that fight themselves tooth and nail? One community (C-burg) that has built overgrown sidewalks in a town that no one walks in. One community (B-burg) that refused a Wal-Mart because they were “too good” for a big-box store. What about Radford? Radford University? Last I checked, they didn’t have a bunch of crazed football fans drinking themselves stupid every weekend and getting behind the wheel to put our lives in danger. What about Riner? Last I checked that was a wonderful place to live. As far as contributing to this silly site … why would I waste my time? I am commenting and already regretting the chunk of time I’m losing from life by doing this. Unless the Roanoke Times is going to pay me to be a journalist, there is NO WAY I am giving them access to my writing, my photos and my life … it’s obviously not important seeing how I’m not from either of the BURGS.
Comment by Sam — September 28, 2011 @ 11:00 am
Like it!!!! Nice work.
Comment by formore — September 28, 2011 @ 11:18 am
But Shirley and Dee…I live in Shawsville!!! And I own my own business on Rt. 460 between Shawsville and Christiansburg. So as you have just proven my point EXACTLY…I don’t work for the Times or live in either
of the towns. I LOVE THE NRV. Born and raised here and never plan to leave. Ever. You ARE operating on
dumb logic!!! My point is also proven by the very clear fact that more than 50% of the content posted in
‘The Burgs’ is from readers in Pulaski, Eastern Montco, Radford and our beautiful communities in between.
I love Elliston. I love Shawsville. I love Cburg. I Bburg. I love Prices Fork. I love Snowville. If you feel you have
received a ‘slap in the face’ then how exactly did you survive when ALL of the newspaper was simply referred
to as THE ROANOKE TIMES? Before the Current…you received no local recognition what so ever. What’s the
massive chip on your shoulder about, anyway? And the FACT remains that Montgomery County IS the largest municipality in Western Va outside of Roanoke…so it makes complete sense that they call it what they have.
It strikes me as odd that people here are sooooooooooooooooooo angry.
Comment by LOVE NRV — September 28, 2011 @ 11:32 am
Not a fan of the new site. Way too much focus on the two name sake communities and Montgomery County. If there is anything in here for Floyd, Giles, Pulaski & Radford it’s too hard to find.
Comment by Marty — September 28, 2011 @ 11:52 am
Thanks, Marty (and others, too.) Keep in mind that most of the content here is what readers have sent us. So if you’re in Floyd or Giles or Radford or Pulaski or elsewhere and have news or photos to share, you can at news@theburgs.com and we’ll show it off here.
Also keep in mind the site changes through the day as new items come in, so what’s featured there now won’t necessarily be what’s featured later in the day.
Cheers,
Dwayne Yancey
Senior editor
Comment by Dwayne Yancey — September 28, 2011 @ 11:56 am
LOVNRV — Apparently you get a kick out of personal insults. Every opinion is not a “chip on the shoulder.” That’s your opinion. But what you have done is probably kept people who disagree with you from commenting, because you think we “are s o o o o angry” if we don’t agree with you, or the paper, and you’ll let them know. Quite frankly, I would advise them not to voice their opinion,
I have no time to continue your “baiting” and trying to belittle others who feel the same way. I own my own business too, a small one, but profitable, and I prefer to spend my time on it.
Have a wonderful, blessed day — I plan to.
Comment by Shirley — September 28, 2011 @ 1:20 pm
Hopefully some changes will be made.. this is a bit of a letdown, and thats being nice.
Comment by Ken — September 28, 2011 @ 1:58 pm
Depsite all the negative comments, I just want to say to the staff that I think you’ve done a great job. Understandably, this is a work in progress and I’m excited to see where The Burgs goes. I also want to point out that in browsing the home page, I saw articles from Shawsville, Dublin, and Floyd. I do hope that you will keep us updated on events and activities in the NRV…that’s one thing that I always enjoyed from the Current, and I see you’ve already done so…I love to get out and enjoy my community, but I don’t always know where, so thank you!
Comment by J — September 28, 2011 @ 3:52 pm
I’m all for updating the look of a newspaper, but who chose the name? In one fell swoop you have alienated a good portion of the New River Valley. “The Burgs” sends the message that the only communities of importance here are Christiansburg and Blacksburg. Keep the layout change, but please change the name!
Comment by Meg — September 28, 2011 @ 5:16 pm
I just went through the Higher Education section. Every item pertained to Virginia Tech. There was nothing on Radford University or the New River Community College. Moreover, the section seems to be no more than a conduit for press releases. I have never been impressed by the Roanoke Times’ coverage of the New River Valley. Days go by without the posting of substantial reportage. As a result, my visits to the site have become fewer and fewer. Why visit a site frequently if I can let a week go by and return confident of not having missed anything of significance? Now, it seems I shall have to wade through press release after press release to hit upon any actual news stories. Given the rarity of substantial news stories in the past, I doubt it will be worth my time.
Comment by Fact Checker — September 29, 2011 @ 2:07 am
hmm so how do you find more news? shows 2 headlines and nothing else under news. and how about a link back to the roanoke.com?
Comment by joe — September 29, 2011 @ 6:09 am
Hi, @Joe. For more news, click the word “news” above the two headlines you see there on the homepage.
Or you can navigate to each of the sections (News, Sports, Schools, Community, Higher Ed or Entertainment) by clicking on the navigation at the top of the site. There, you’ll find headlines, photos and news feeds to stories from across the region on each of those topics.
Also: To get back to roanoke.com, just click “roanoke.com” up there in the top right corner of the site, just next to the RSS feeds and above the search box.
Hope that helps!
– Meg Martin (roanoke.com online editor)
Comment by Meg Martin — September 29, 2011 @ 12:28 pm
Wow.I am actually a bit shocked at all of the knee jerk hatred reaction to this instead of constructive feedback in an effort to actually maybe change something perceived as negative about this website. I agree that the NRV news coverage on roanoke.com has been lackluster and look at this change as a step in the right direction that the Roanoke Times is committed to improving their coverage of the NRV. Yes, this current format may have a few problems but it is a work in progress obviously. Disclaimer: **Yes, I live in one of the Burgs so am sure that some may disregard this opinion but I hope that there is the same amount of passion towards helping this website evolve to something that truly focuses on ALL the communities that make the NRV a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
Comment by Burg Resident — September 29, 2011 @ 12:46 pm
so where is the story about the frosty parrot it was in the print edition
but don’t see it online. even doing a search didn’t turn it up.
Comment by daryl — September 29, 2011 @ 11:40 pm
Just to add my opinion, I’m not a reporter/journalist. I had a subscription to the Roanoke Times to be kept informed. Now if I want to know the ongoings in Floyd county and surrounding rural areas I have to contribute to this blog? Sorry, ain’t happening. If you noticed I wrote that I “had a subscription”. I already cancelled.
Comment by Michael — September 30, 2011 @ 7:28 am
@daryl, You are right. That Frosty Parrot story wasn’t posted on the site by mistake but it’s there now. Click on the news button on the navigation bar at the top of the site to find it. Thanks for pointing out our oversight.
Comment by Michael Stowe — September 30, 2011 @ 8:57 am
Excuse me….pardon me…….apparently since Floyd does not have ‘burg’ connected with it’s name it’s been forgotten! Great pics and lots of them of the Homecoming events at East Mont, B’burg etc but where’s Floyd?? Are we no longer part of the NRV because we don’t have ‘burg’ in our name?? Come on now, really??!!
Comment by Serena — October 1, 2011 @ 9:06 pm
I am writing to express my disappointment with the new name and look chosen for the former “Current” section of the Roanoke Times. The new masthead is dull and uninspired, and the new title is exclusive, rather than inclusive as it should be. While I have absolutely nothing against Blacksburg and Christiansburg, they do not represent all of us living and working in the New River Valley. I live in Radford and work in Shawsville, neither of which is included in your new title. According to the NRV Economic Development Alliance, there are 178,237 people living in the NRV. Based on population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, it appears that Blacksburg and Christiansburg together account for just over a third of this number. Was it really your intention to alienate almost two thirds of folks in the region you claim to serve? Surely you could have done better.
Comment by Jennifer Mooney — October 3, 2011 @ 2:46 pm
Serena and Michael, if you click this link you’ll see stories and photos from Floyd starting to populate the site. http://blogs.roanoke.com/theburgs/?s=floyd
I pulled that up by putting “Floyd” in the search box at the top of the page. By clicking “NewsRiver” in the navigation bar you also can see everything we’re posting throughout the site.
I thank you all for being patient as we build TheBurgs.com. Remember, contributions from you and other readers are going to be a big part of the site and its success in providing news and information from across the New River Valley.
Comment by Carole — October 4, 2011 @ 9:23 am
Apparently your name change did exactly what you hoped: distracted most people from noticing that there’s no actual news reporting!
This morning we looked through this week’s “Burgs” print editions and marveled that it couldn’t be any more vapid. Page after page after page of high school sports photos? “Articles” that are submitted by the organizations? The closest to “reporting” that I could find is the “what do you think that thing at the bottom of the New River is?”
For shame, Roanoke Times. I assume you gutted the Current due to budget cuts, but you should have just given up the pretense that it’s journalism at all, and just admit it’s an advertising insert.
Comment by Where's the news? — October 8, 2011 @ 5:10 pm
To “Where’s the News,” I hope by now you’ve read Sunday’s Burgs and its news stories previewing local sheriff’s races. And for plenty more news we posted online during the past week, click this link:
http://blogs.roanoke.com/theburgs/category/news/
Many of those stories ran first on this site, then were published in The Roanoke Times.
The Burgs has a different mission, focusing on local community news and information. I understand the format is new but believe readers will find many new things to like on the site and in the print edition.
Thank you for your feedback.
Comment by Carole Tarrant — October 10, 2011 @ 9:36 am
I’m not liking the web version very much, haven’t looked at the print one since I don’t subscribe to the physical paper.. Not only are there some functional appearance issues with the site, like a good part of the text comment box being cut off so I can’t entirely read what I’m writing, but I’m finding the navigation to be clunky…it’s not as easy to find the actual news…especially when the main RT page links for every single update, whether it’s actual news or some sort of reader submitted stuff. I’ve gone from checking out the old Current daily to now looking maybe once or twice a week, if that. Oh, and I live in Pulaski Countyburg. I’ve heard a lot of people in my area and Radford discussing their dislike for the changes…it’s not been well received outside of Blacksburg & Christiansburg.
Comment by Other John — October 11, 2011 @ 12:08 pm
Yep, the new look/layout is hard to navigate, too hard to get through the HS sports of C-burg and B-burg to the news stories.
Comment by Ken — October 13, 2011 @ 1:31 pm
I like it!
Comment by Alma Lee — October 15, 2011 @ 10:15 am
I like it. It’s a shame that people always find something to complain about. Some wonder why the NRV is so “slow” and always behind with change. When reading these comments, it is very obvious why. People around here are scared of change. Before you comment, READ!!! It is a brand new concept, and guess what you have to HELP put your community out there. If you are upset b/c there are no pics of your town parade, why don’t you send them in for crying out loud!! No news in the Burgs?? Never knew that the current contained all of the important 411 either. People cancelling papers over a change….WOW!! Maybe you can read the news messenger, hope they don’t make a change.
Comment by WoW — October 17, 2011 @ 1:49 pm
Burg resident- do not like the name either. Of more concern though is the fact that the lack of news and the increase in pictures of everyone’s prom/ football games and advertizing makes it a waste of time to read. Granted, The Current also became little more than ads. but to ask us to send in our own news and photos…really? Not only is that taking pay away from real journalists but also from photographers..
Shame.
Comment by Loz — October 22, 2011 @ 5:11 pm
OK, it’s not quite a year later and I would like to hear if this change has been considered a success or failure.
The evidence on the site seems to indicate something. Convince me I’m wrong.
Thanks.
Comment by Jeffrey King — August 26, 2012 @ 11:18 am