California paper expands biz coverage on the Web

The Ventura County Star is expanding its business news and information on its Web site by creating a business webshell, writes managing editor John Moore.

Moore wrote, “The difference with the shell is that we are now offering you far more than our newspaper content.

“All the local stories from the newspaper are there. They are divided into the major topics of interest: Housing and Real Estate, Tech, Money, Retail and the Workplace and Agriculture.

“The added attraction for our Business shell is that we’ve made it easier to find that story from yesterday’s publication or from last week. If you’re like me, you’re forever forgetting to clip out that story from today’s paper that you want to save. Now, it will be even easier to find it on the Business shell. You can use the search or just scroll through each themed section until you find your story.

“In addition to the archiving, the shell is the place to go throughout the day for current news. The latest business news stories and video from The Associated Press are there, along with a look at the current stock action of some of our local publicly traded companies, such as Amgen, Macerich and Wellpoint. There’s also a great personal finance portfolio tool so you can follow your stocks of interest.

“The site will be the location for you to go back and spend time with some of the bigger Business stories we’ve been covering. For instance, right now, you can check out the package we did on subprime loans with videos, interactive graphics showing the location of foreclosed mortgages and a mortgage calculator.”

Read more here.