The Herald continues to roll out new features on its website, and the newest addition is an advanced, interactive comment section.

This new format, launched Monday, should be easier to use and encourage more discussion. Bloggers now have the option of sorting comments chronologically or by popularity, “liking” comments to help establish comments’ popularity, flagging inappropriate comments, viewing and commenting on replies to their own posts, editing their profile, checking which stories have the most recent comments, viewing an archive of any individual blogger’s comments, and the list goes on.

The comment section, powered by Disqus, allows readers to comment easily through Google, Facebook, Twitter, other social media or a Disqus account. To comment, readers can log into any of their social media accounts, or sign up for a Disqus account. To sign in with social media or to create a Disqus account, first click “Login” at the top of any comment section. Then, either choose “Register a new Disqus profile” or choose from Google, Facebook, Twitter, Yahoo or OpenID and log in.

While we know change can be irritating, but we hope once readers acclimate to this change they find it easier, more interactive and fun. The Herald’s website has had the most used comment section of any local media, and we hope this adds to the experience. Those worried about losing all their old comments can rest assured that they’re still there, but everyone does have to sign up for a new account — unless you already have a Disqus account, which works on every site using it — or comment through social media. Those worried about inappropriate comments should know we will continue to monitor the site, and we will quickly review any comment flagged as inappropriate.

Speaking of change, we also have a new live blog called Austin Live, a continuous stream for live breaking news, weather and anything going on in and around Austin. With Austin Live, readers can interact with Herald reporters, ask questions or report the news themselves. If you see something happening in Austin, this is your chance to report it. And, like everything else on our website, it’s free.

The Herald continues to set the pace with more breaking news — and big stories readers will find here first — than any media source in Austin. This is yet another way for readers to consume local news, and we hope it adds to your experience.

For more information or to share your thoughts, email me at adam.harringa@austindailyherald.com.