Over the past days there has been an overwhelming positive feedback on the new website launched on Friday by The Malta Independent.

While, as expected, teething problems were encountered on the site as thousands logged in to see what we have to offer, the overall impression was that the site is now offering its viewers a new way of presentation of news.

With a mixture of hard news, world events, sports activities and blogs all on the home page - with an endless scrolling down feature giving readers the sensation of a neverending website - www.independent.com.mt has been welcomed by one and all as the way forward.

People attending the event on Friday were already excited about the new website, as could be seen in the footage linked with the story.

In comments to this newsroom, a number of opinion leaders who contribute both to the printed newspaper and news portal, expressed their praise for this new platform.

Labour MP Marlene Farrugia, who writes every Monday, particularly praised the personalised element the new websites provides. Through the 'My Home' feature, to be launched in the coming weeks, users have the opportunity to personalise their homepage, and view only news items that are of interest to them, and block out the rest.  "It is in line with our hectic lifestyle, and provides a direct communication between the reader and the journalist."

Columnist Gejtu Vella, who writes every Tuesday, also had words of praise for the initiative taken and the investment made to give people the news they look for.

Alison Bezzina, who contributed to the Sunday newspaper, said that the new website keeps up with the rate at which digital technology is advancing. "It is a clear example of how reader's demands in today's digital age have changed...and the design is completely innovative."

Simon Mercieca, a new blogger for The Malta Independent website, said he is looking forward to interacting with the readers of the portal, a new option allowed by the new website.

Other attendees said the new portal is in line with social media, providing endless information. "It becomes somewhat addictive scrolling through news items," one says. "It is also very much in line with international news websites."