Interactive elements that appear on the MinnPost all have a specific purpose of providing convenience for their readers.
A box appears on the left side of the homepage specifically designed to allow readers to see Minnpost’s Youtube, Facebook, Myspace and specific Twitters. This is a sufficient interactive element that also has the purpose of being a crowdsourcing mechanism.
But, this doesn’t make MinnPost differ from any other Web site because all other news organizations are using this. So what makes them stand out?
I’m not sure about other news sites but MinnPost has a searchable database called MN Jobs which is a great tool for Minnesotan people (or others) to find a job in the particular area without having to refer to a Minnesotan newspaper (which costs $.)
I also noticed that on the left side of the homepage, a weather box is implemented into the Web site, specifically referring to the Twin Cities. Readers can click through the box and go right to the weather page to get any additional weather information they need/want.
Surveys, maps and polls are unseen on the Web site and could create an additional fun hands-on activity to get readers more involved with what they’re reading or seeing.
Besides providing convenience for their readers and potentially driving user engagement, which isn’t a bad thing at all, the MinnPost has not utilized interactive elements in order to supplement their articles. Providing weather, links to one’s Twitter or Myspace and helping readers find a job is all part of a sufficient Web site, but this doesn’t add any journalistic value.
Add some polls, surveys or maps MinnPost!
It seems like the MinnPost shares the same dilemma as the Huffington Post in that it’s interactive in certain areas but not in others. And as you point out, social networking makes for a sound website but lacks journalistic depth. I can’t get past the dearth of polls on these sites, as it seems like the most efficient way to gauge reader reaction.
Hi Amanda,
I agree that while it’s great Minnpost has a job search but that has no journalistic value. Although I guess it could be something that brings viewers to the site (and maybe they’ll start reading the news while they’re at it).