Sharing the NYTimes

            Like any big company that’s trying to compete in today’s economy, it is vital to have a website that provides not only information about your company but also links to things that are relevant.  Originally The New York Times refused to create a NYTimes website—but as the times changed it became apparent that the only way to keep their business afloat was to make a website that projected their news stories.  The NYTimes does a good job in laying out their site basically the same as they do in their newspaper, the only real distinct difference is the links that each story have attached to it.  Under the main headlines and short blurbs about the article and then a link to the article as well other links about the story.  This is a good representation of a press-sphere—The NYTimes no longer is just reporting for our benefit.  They are reporting for us to not only read but to respond to.  Any article on the NYTimes website has links to Facebook, Twitter, Linkdin, as well as a way to email the article and a way to comment on the article.  Similar to what Jeff Jarvis wrote about creating a circular flow of news, is what the NYTimes has done. 

            Recently I’ve been following the website Business Insider—which really embodies the press-sphere.  On their homepage (unlike the NYT) readers can immediately long in through Facebook or Twitter in order to share articles.  Their website allows users to signup for emails and alerts and of course comment on the many articles they have posted.  On both the NYTimes website and on Business Insider there is audience participation.  Commenting, sharing, and linking to other websites creates a press-sphere that is focused around the reader; it’s a cycle of being informed and then sharing that information.