It's been overwhelmingly positive, so far.

I received one call from a female reader saying she and her husband liked the Kennebec Journal better before. That was the only call or e-mail I received, out of about 50, that was an outright criticism.

Several readers said they like most of what they've seen but they suggested improvements -- things we actually have done now. For example, on day one of our new look we dropped the index to crosswords and other features inadvertently. A reader asked why. The index is back to stay.

Three or four readers wanted bigger, bolder headlines on our nation, world and business briefs columns. We've changed those.

Calls like these are why it's so important to solicit reader feedback. Readers can make suggestions and notice things that, sometimes, we don't.

I also had many conversations with people who simply praised the work, which was done by the newsroom staff in association with Indiana (Ball State University) designer Jennifer George-Palilonis.

One woman, who lives in Hallowell, said she and her husband have subscribed for more than 30 years. She liked the color, the changes to our listings page (B2) and more. She ended her conversation with me Monday by kiddingly saying: "You done good." I told her she made my day.