USA Today has unveiled a makeover that integrates several new social media/social networking features.
Steve Rubel and Michael Arrington have nice things to say, but Josh Burnoff points out that readers hate it! From my quick glance at the comments, it appears most readers are not happy with the design, not necessarily the new features. I think the design is going to grow on readers as they get used to the new layout, and eventually they will appreciate the new social aspect of the site.
My Publisher, Joe Wikert has strong opinions about the newspaper business, but I wonder if this isn’t what he was asking for?
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USAT/Gannett are really trying to break out among the NPs. They hosted my client’s annual sales conference in the NYC office, and I, super-jaded dot commie, was impressed by how far they are willing to go. Of all the big NP companies, they seem to be the most willing to enter the modern age.
BTW, please check out the discussion forum on my clients site. They, also, are trying to create a discussion specifically about the newspapers.