ABSTRACT
In addition to the participatory journalism model discussed in the last chapter, professional newsrooms are exploring many other ways to increase interactivity on their Web sites. This chapter will explore a wide range of these approaches that seek to move beyond merely presenting news to readers and toward engaging readers in a conversation. Some of these approaches to increasing interaction between news outlets and news users include allowing users to customize the site; opening up to users databases such as those for public spending or of restaurant and hotel reviews; providing extended coverage not
possible or available in print or on air; and administrating bulletin boards and chat. The Spokesman-Review in Spokane, WA, for example, built a database for its BizFinderNW.com site, which offers any area business a listing with address, store hours, a map and a photo, all for free. Businesses wishing to add more or to determine placement can pay.
