Welcome to our new website
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 
The new Forest website is up and running HERE. It's a slimmed down version of the old one which was originally envisaged as an online magazine for smokers - but that proved a bit too ambitious.
Design-wise, the new site is not a major departure, but we've cleaned it up, improved the navigation, and removed a lot of the stale, older copy.
The new site is a work in progress (ie it's not finished!). We will add features - including, later in the year, a video player and library. We will continue to upload information - without overwhelming you - on a variety of smoking-related issues.
A new feature, which we are still working on, will help and advise you how to take action. We've also added a news archive that will complement the newsfeed that appears on the home page.
There's even a message from me, HERE. All feedback, including constructive criticism, welcome.
Reader Comments (3)
The revamped Forest site is looking good.
Although I regularly review this site as well as the Forest site - I am sure I have not read all comments.
Therefore if I now present 'old news' I apologise.
Would it be advantageous for all those interested in changing the somewhat draconian rules re no smoking, anywhere you want to enjoy a drink, in fact inform their local MP in writing. If sufficient voters let it be known then perhaps the message will get through.
As many have stated, now THEY have SOLVED the smoking issue - what next???
One only has to read just the recent press to see even more money being spent on the BOOZE problem.
Quite ridiculous and totally unnecessary, most people having the odd glass of wine do actually understand the unit theory - why spend money in this way.
Next it will be the responsibility of purveyors of alcohol to ensure that their customers do not consume too much (in government terms that is!!) - otherwise they will be fined. That is those that are still in business.
Interestingly, most smokers I know that still bother going to bars drink twice a quickly than before the ban i.e. have a puff of cigarette, cigar or pipe in between sips and slurps. Is this not contrary to the latest message.
Whilst mentioning pipes, another fact always overlooked by the antis is that until recently most life assurance companies treated pipe smokers as non smokers when calculating premium rates. I appreciate that there are only a few left, still with this option. But that is because of the publicity and an excuse for them to up rates for all. But the so called science re smoking and health has been around for a long time and if Insurance companies were prepared to gamble (their money) on the pipe smoker as living to 'normal age' how on earth can you expect mere politicians to know better (using other’s money).
I have to say I am not pro smoking - but I am pro choice both for the individual and those in businesses that are affected by the blanket ban. I have three daughters who I am happy do not smoke (one cheats every now and then!) but I have never nagged them or ordered them not to smoke. I will also help anyone who is trying to give up - for what ever reason.
I enjoy smoking and I will continue to enjoy smoking, however, I also enjoy eating and drinking at the same time and preferably in different venues with both friends and people I have met on the way. Part of life - a way of life - not for all - but what has happened in this country and others is an absolutely diabolical infringement on personal choice and liberty. None of our eating and drinking pals that do not smoke think this current legislation has any merit in any shape or form. I cannot be in the minority – let’s all let the law makers know.
I like the look of the new site, I think that it looks professional and gives the impression that FOREST is an organisation with resources and power behind it. This is important, I think, because the image that the Anti brigade likes to foster is that smokers are sad, pathetic, powerless 'little' people to whom the civilised world has turned a deaf ear. The site doesn't accord with that view.
I particularly like the frequent change of image across the top (there's no doubt a technical term of which I'm ignorant!) - it gives the impression that the site is very much 'alive'.
Thanks for the link Simon. The new sites's a real improvement: clearer, more attractive and easier to navigate.