R-J leaps into world of blogging

All over America, newspapers are cutting back on entertainment news coverage as the economy tightens. But here in the country's entertainment capital, the Review-Journal is giving you more news and views to peruse.

This week at reviewjournal.com, we launched "Vegas Voice," a "superblog" of news and photos, where the newspaper's lineup of award-winning entertainment and lifestyle reporters write all in one spot, on one page.

And they're not just talking at you. They're talking with you. You can respond in the comments sections and share your opinions, too. "Vegas Voice" is inclusive, not exclusive.

This is a place to chat and argue about the best and worst of Las Vegas arts and entertainment, dining and culture.

Blogs aren't new to journalism, of course, but with "Vegas Voice," the R-J has redefined the entertainment news superblog as a one-stop shopping place for newspaper readers.

There you'll find everything you want to know about the latest music, showroom acts, restaurants, theaters and nightclubs -- posted live throughout the day as news breaks.

It's called "Vegas Voice" because it features the R-J's authorities on arts and entertainment culture:

Mike Weatherford, the dean of entertainment writing in Las Vegas; film critic Carol "Screen Queen" Cling; music columnist Jason Bracelin; restaurant critic and "Diva of Dining" Heidi Knapp Rinella; TV critic Christopher Lawrence; arts and culture writer Steve Bornfeld; and fashion columnist Xazmin Garza.

Other writers are on their way to the page, including Review-Journal theater critic Anthony Del Valle.

Entertainment writer Doug Elfman's "VegasLand" blog also can be found at reviewjournal.com, along with a link to Norm Clarke's celebrity superblog, "Vegas Confidential."

"Vegas Voice" will only grow from here. Come be a part of it.