TODAY TheJournal.ie is making a very special announcement.

In four weeks’ time, we’ll be launching TheJournal.ie #PRINT – your favourite news website, in paper form.

We first went live 18 months ago as Ireland’s first truly interactive news website. Since then, with your help, we’ve been growing at an almost alarming rate. (Matched only by our coffee bill.) And now – with a big thank you! – we’re very proud to reveal the next stage in our development.

We’re enormously proud of the work we do online, but – as the household charge debacle has taught us – there are many Irish people who don’t have an internet connection. Those who do, meanwhile, will know the frustration of a dropped 3G signal when you’re out and about.

So TheJournal.ie #PRINT is our way of filling in the gaps. To make sure that more of you can read, share and shape the news, more of the time. Beginning as a pilot project in Dublin, it will be rolled out nationwide (except in Drogheda and Clonmel as those towns already have free wi-fi for everybody, which would make it redundant).

Here’s what you can expect from TheJournal.ie #PRINT:

• Read TheJournal.ie #PRINT will have all the news you love. But here’s the big change: it will be the most up-to-date paper product ever seen in Ireland. Each of our distribution points will have a revolutionary mobile printing station, so you’ll never miss out on the latest from our team in the newsroom. Plus the paper comes with a smartphone-shaped slot for what we’re calling ‘Web2Print’ updates.*
• Shape Every page of #PRINT will come with an ample blank space below the stories for YOUR comments. But of course we want to read them too! Which is why we’ll be printing a freepost licence on the back. Just drop them into any postbox.**
• Share Specially perforated edges will surround each story panel. Want to share? Just tear the segment out and hand it to a friend. To ‘bookmark’ an item for later simply grab, scrunch and place in your trouser pocket or handbag.

The move was announced by Eric Fallon, vice-chairman of Journal Media Ltd and lesser-known brother of TheJournal.ie founders Brian and Eamonn, who called it a “revolution” in online media. He said:

TheJournal.ie #PRINT is about taking our web content to the next level – into the actual, physical world. You’ll literally be able to touch it.

TheJournal.ie‘s business and banking columnist Nick Leeson said:

I’m delighted to hear that TheJournal.ie is going to feature my column in their ink and paper product. I’m excited that readers will be able to cut out and keep my column, maybe even pin it on the fridge.

Among the other special features on offer in TheJournal.ie #PRINT:

• React Sometimes you want to add a quick spin of your own. That’s why #PRINT will come with a special sticker set to slap a comment on any story you’re sharing. Like? OMG? LOL? ROFLMAO? Just peel, slap and go.
• Socialise To launch #PRINT, we’re giving away a free branded TheJournal.ie bracelet with every copy. Wear it, and you’ll be able to show you’re part of our community anywhere – even underwater. (Waterproof to 50m.)
• Take part You won’t want to miss out on our reader polls and Slow-Burning Questions. Why is why we’ve invested in 7,500 surplus e-voting machines to be placed at key locations around the country.***

Of course, there will be parts of the website which we can’t put in the #PRINT edition. But we’ll be investing in the newest paper-based technologies to bring you the best the web has to offer. We think we’ve cracked YouTube already:

YouTube/dutchpapergirl

* iPhone 3GS, 4, 4S and Samsung Galaxy models only.

** TheJournal.ie accepts no responsibility for libellous or obscene comments. Full terms and conditions apply and all commenters will be monitored from above while writing by our editor Susan Daly, via satellite.

*** Poll results from e-voting machines may not be correct.