Earlier this week, Santafenewmexican.com announced it would be doing a "reload" of its main Web site. These updates include a new look and slimmed down navigation.

The changes will also impact users of the commenting forum. With Monday's switch over, we will also begin a test of a different commenting system. We are doing this in contemplation of moving away from the Topix platform.

This commenting engine will require users to register for free account in order to make or read comments on Santafenewmexican.com.

Part of the new commenting system will reinstate a recent-comments page where you can view comments posted during the most recent 24 hours.

We will also require users to use their real names while commenting on articles and we will be asking folks to raise the level of discourse on the commenting threads.

Your contributions are important to us. We hope to continue receiving input on stories, but we want to encourage contributors to be more constructive with their postings.

I'll be checking back on this thread today (Friday) to field questions periodically as they arise.

Also feel free to email me at webeditor@sfnewmexican.com.