In an age of declining subscriptions, newspapers are trying to figure out how to use the internet to their advantage. The New York Times' website is similar in appearance to their newspaper and is very user friendly. The blackletter typeface is situated at the top of the page just like it is on the front page. The serif typeface used for stories is easy to read on the computer screen. The website uses picture and headline size to draw the readers eyes to the most important stories. Along the left side of the page the users can select which section of the news they would like to view (World, Sports, Health etc.). There is a search bar available on the homepage and on the page of each subsection. Some features that aren't found in the newspaper are videos and the ability to comment on the articles. The second feature makes the communication between the reporter and the readers two-way.
The two-way communication is a great feature because it allows interaction between the reporter and the readers. The reporter may gain valuable feedback from the posts that the readers make, and the readers feel like their views on the story are being heard.
Matt,
ReplyDeleteClassic example and good observations about NYTIMES online. I love the paper version still, but the translation of that product into a usable web one was no small challenge, and that hierarchy/usability is key to continue to gain the readership the Times typically enjoys.
Keep up the good work and take care,
paul