Q & A about BSR’s new design

Not to worry. There’s nothing wrong with your computer or your brain. After nearly eight years as Philadelphia’s unique independent forum for sophisticated arts and culture commentary, Broad Street Review has unveiled a whole new design.

Remember those old pictures that you had to squint to see? Now they’re much larger, and there are more of them, too. So when your mind gets tired of forming all those abstract symbols called letters into words, you can just relax and look at colorful images.

The new Broad Street Review is easier to explore and navigate, too. You should be able to read it on your tablet or smartphone. Now Broad Street Review will follow you wherever you go, whether you want us to or not.

'What’s New'

Which is to your benefit, because we’re also adding new useful features. Our “What’s New What’s Next” section provides recommendations, interviews and links to notable coming events. (Click here.) It’s our first step to expand our coverage beyond the realm of reviews and essays. It won’t be the last.

Rest assured that our basic product mix— freewheeling dialogue, compelling arguments, original insights— isn’t changing. You’ll still be able to access all the articles, letters and dialogues we’ve posted since 2005. But now the conversation will be even more fun.

The new BSR should re-charge your batteries. Goodness knows it’s re-charged mine.

Frequently asked questions about BSR’s redesign

Whose idea was this redesign?

Certainly not mine; I’m an old print person, recently named by Time Magazine to its 2013 list of “100 Greatest Minds of the 19th Century.” When it comes to computers and the Internet, I love the output but I’m clueless about the input.

The driving force behind this redesign was our managing editor, Judy Weightman, aka The World’s Most Assertive Quaker. The design itself is the work of our tech advisor, Kyle Cotter of Cotter Interactive, aka The Boy Wonder of Silver Spring. They pushed this redesign through enthusiastically while I cowered in the corner.

You’ve talked about all the wonderful things the new BSR can do. Is there anything it can’t do? For example, can it cure cancer?

I wouldn’t put it past Kyle.

Seriously, can the new Broad Street Review mow my lawn?

Yes. But only if you live on Broad Street.

Every new computerized program, like Obamacare, requires weeks or months to iron out all the unexpected glitches. Is BSR already totally bug-free?

You can bank on it. Our site has been tested and retested by our contributors and readers, many of whom hold advanced degrees in quantum physics. We're perfectionists who stake our reputation on our infallibility. Should you find any mistake in BSR, I personally will gdj46utetaion5htscj. It’s the least we can do for loyal readers like you.

After the Inquirer unveiled its new redesign last month, its editor was fired and its directors filed multiple lawsuits against each other to determine who has the biggest dick. How do we know the same thing won’t happen at BSR?

If our directors start firing people or filing lawsuits, a special application in our redesign software will knock them upside the head and pound some sense into them.

What’s your hidden agenda? Are you trying to drive the Inquirer out of business?

The Inquirer seems to be achieving that goal just fine without our help.

First the Barnes Collection moved from Merion to the Parkway. Then Reims Cathedral was turned into a tourist site. And now this. I liked the old BSR the way it was.

Change is healthy, not to mention inevitable. I urge you to try the old Camel Cigarettes 30-day test, to wit: If you smoke us for 30 days, you’ll wind up hopelessly addicted.

Suppose I don’t? Can I get my money back?

BSR is free, which is the greatest miracle of all. Had you forgotten?