Thank you for all the comments, especially the nice ones. There is also some discussion of the merits of the Berliner-sized Observer over on the Guardian's Media Blog.
A quick trawl around the blogosphere nets at least one positive response to the new look:
Anyway, the new Berliner Observer. Colourful. Readable. A hefty news section with interesting comment and analysis. An improved colour magazine and a new monthly "woman's magazine". Good stuff. I may start to wear sandals and hug trees yet.
Which is good enough for the modest appetite of the Observer blog.
We managed the rare distinction of publishing something of which Tim Worstall heartily approves. Don't worry Tim, normal service resumed next week.
The emails we have had cover the full range of responses. Most readers like the look and feel of the news section.
The new Observer looks very good, and I find the Berliner format easier to manipulate and altogether a more pleasant experience. Congratulations!
But one outraged couple just don't agree that small is beautiful:
Although we have been readers of your paper for over forty years, we are cancelling our order with our newsagent because of the new format you have chosen to adopt. We imagine we will not be alone in doing this.
Not much we can do about this I'm afraid. We can change what appears in the paper, but the new size is for keeps. Sorry.
Feel free to post sycophantic messages of support and admiration. Journalists are a very thin-skinned bunch.
