Post changes layout

The Post-Dispatch has unveiled their new layout and so far it does not seem to have been well received. The new typeface looks odd, and the large headshots of the columnists are unnecessary and a waste of space. The biggest problem, though, is that there seems to be an awful lot of unused white space that makes the paper look like one of the lesser suburban publications or a certain cheap political rag that plagues St. Charles. We have just one major newspaper in St. Louis and there should be plenty of news for them to print and use up this white space. Those in charge of the layout should take a look at microfilm to see how the old papers looked — they didn't waste space or look goofy.

From their website:

"We’ve grouped local news obituaries and deaths from elsewhere inside the local section. We’ve also redesigned the Funeral Notices making them easier to read."

In the past, St. Charles obits were printed in our own section and generally included more information than what has always been found in the typical St. Louis death/funeral notice as far back as the 1880s or 1890s. I doubt this will be a popular decision. As for the latter decision, people are already complaining that the funeral notices are NOT easier to read.

I know that it's impossible to please everyone. Been there, done that. But if this is the future of newspaper design, I'm glad they publish many of the same articles on their website and offer RSS feeds.