For years, journalists have been party to discussions about community journalism and reader participation. The theme of these discussions is that plenty of interesting things happen in our own back yards, that readers are interested in these events - and even willing to provide information about them - and that readers are more engaged with the newspaper when they believe they have a voice.
By now, newspapers have plenty of experience with “reader involvement,” “reader-generated content,” and “hyper-local” news. Much of this content appears on opinion pages, in sections targeted at specific groups, or on pages published on certain days of the weeks (such at The Telegraph’s Neighbors’ pages).
Still, the cost of newsprint and other costs associated with producing a paper have prevented the wide use of reader-submitted content as well as the wide distribution of hyper-local content that some readers say they want.
The growing popularity of news Web sites, however, has made newsprint costs almost a non-issue when it comes to finding a place for readers to have a voice. Chat rooms, discussions boards, blogs and commenting functions have led to a wave of reader participation.
The Telegraph believes readers want to engage in community conversations that are empowering, enlightening, engaging and helpful, though there are those for which this clearly is not always the case.
As of last week, The Telegraph requires registration for readers wishing to comment on local stories.
Of course, if you still want to talk to the editor, e-mail me, or call me at 478-744-4340.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
What do readers know?
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2 comments:
"The Telegraph believes readers want to engage"
Sherrie, as much as i love you guys, i have NEVER thought about getting engaged to anyone at the telegraph... And i hope the sentiment is likewise.
But thanks a bunch for allowing up to the second reader feedback.
You are right many readers enjoy making honest feedback to news items and opinions, and it is good The Telegraph has come into the new century and now allows some comments. I know many comments are worthless and venting but time will weed most of those out. One thing it does it to provide more of a conservative balance to the local newspaper. The Telegraph is highly liberal but your editoral staff does a good job allowing others to make different comments. There is no way liberal columnist such as Phil and Charles can write from a conservative point of view. And if they and others of the same cut chose guest editorials and columns those writings will tend to be libral. Anyway, thanks for growing up with your paper. If we lived in a sane world I would complement you with the slogan from an old cigarette commercial.
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