New York Times adds reader comments to front page

Silicon Alley Insider discovered yesterday that The New Times was testing the display of reader comments at the bottom of individual news stories on their online edition. Based on what I’ve heard, expect comments to be a regular feature.

Like Silicon Alley, I’ve always been impressed with the Times innovative use of its website. I’m always showing folks attending my presentations all the RSS feeds the Times has for its separate sections and columns. Reader participation is just another step in making the paper more relevant in the lives of its readers.

Lawyers, this is a coup for you. Imagine the Times and newspapers across the country allowing comments to news stories involving legal issues. Your regular commenting is as as good as being a regular on the Larry Kind Show when he’s covering legal stories – except at a local level, where people know you and you get your work.

Commenting on legal news, as you do on your blog already, is not only a valuable contribution to citizens’ understanding of the law, but also a golden way of further enhancing your reputation as a reliable and trusted authority in your area of expertise.

Source on post: Josh Catone at Read/WriteWeb