Stephen Shirley got a little cranky on Twitter the other day, complaining about our mobile app. And rightfully so.
This, to me, is the key tweet:
As a high volume mobile user, I just wanted @dnj_com mobile edition and app to better reflect @MTSU game as showcased in full website view.
We agree.
One of the significant issues we currently have is the ability (or lack thereof) to control how the content appears and flows on the app and the tablet. Basically, the content management system makes it nearly impossible to control the story flow in the mobile app, which, in addition to stories we post, has Associated Press stories feeding into it as well.
I’ve mentioned before that we are preparing to implement a new digital content management system. It is currently being used by USA Today and is being rolled out to the other Gannett papers. We should get it in the fourth quarter of 2013 or first quarter of 2014.
The reason this is important is EXACTLY because of the content issues some people have with the apps.
Under the new CMS, named Presto, we will have full control over the presentation of the mobile and tablet apps, as well as the desktop. We will be able to present a different version for all three and prioritize our local content over national/wire content.
The current system is OK, but it makes it extraordinarily difficult to do the things Stephen is requesting – such as make sure the MTSU coverage is highlighted on the app above other coverage.
Presto, when implemented, will alleviate that problem.