USAToday.com has given itself a Web 2.0 makeover, focusing more on connecting readers to each other, as well as its reporters and columnists. Among the changes are links and blurbs to other news
sources, the ability for users to comment directly on stories, contribute to others' comments, the ability to recommend stories to peers, the addition of new discussion forums, user-submitted reviews
of music, movies and TV shows and new tools for communicating with the company's staff. Additionally, USAToday.com received a makeover, including a new layout, and simpler navigation.
TechCrunch applauds the effort, saying The New York Times and Wall Street Journal should take note. Taking the "hose spouting news" approach and adding social features is a much smarter
way to engage readers and get them to stick around -- which is what Web publishers need to do to grow their ad revenue.
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