Readers expect news to find them
There’s a theory in computer science called the technology acceptance model, which basically holds that people use technologies that seem useful and easy to use. Like many theories that have wide support, it makes common sense. What does that mean for news organizations? If they want their readers to embrace interactive features on their sites, these features must not be hidden or confusing or clunky. These interactive features can’t be things that news organization let readers use, but that they don’t let their employees delve into and fully explore. And news organizations can’t whip their employees into such a frenzy of fear that they might violate some internal social-media rule that the employees don’t bother to try anything new.
Why? Because in the final analysis, the news organizations — whether they be traditional newspapers or online-only news sources — that thrive and survive will be the ones where their news finds the most people.
a lot of people are overlooking how we got here in the first place. why did tv, newspapers and magazines be the tool (please note emphasis) of choice for broadcast and communication? society accepted them as useful and easy to use. today’s iphone was yesterday’s paper folded under the arm of a businessman stepping onto a train.
attitudes have changed because the technology has allowed them to change. we’re constructing our own future. some things will work, most won’t but the wave of bed-shitting where people think industries are going to disappear and lives will be lost simply isn’t true. calm down, sit down and use your brain. everything will be okay because you have the power to make it so.
addendum - here is a good example:
think about that. this wine bar now has a genuine, valuable interaction in the palm of mr. knell’s hand. no crazy “on brand” messaging. just being real, smart and intuitive. the devil is in the details and good biz is a lot more connected to psychology and design than most want to admit.
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