Readers Quiz NYT Web Chief

The web editor at the New York Times (NYT) has been answering readers’ questions on its online strategies.

Users put their posers to Fiona Spruill via the website’s Talk to the Newsroom pages and topics ranged from user-generated content to updating articles to tips on how to become a top web journalist.

Through the online conversation Spruill revealed that interaction with its readers is the “major priority” for the NYT at present and this incorporates increasing opportunities for posting comments and experimenting with images uploaded by users.

“During the recent protests in Pakistan, we ran a picture solicited from readers on the home page for the first time. I am sure you will see a lot more of this in the future,” said Spruill.

She added: “We are extremely lucky to have readers who are well-informed, passionate and, more often than not, highly articulate.

“So publishing comments alongside blog posts, articles and reviews not only rounds out our coverage by presenting different points of view, it also gives us the opportunity to show off how smart our readers are.”

The Talk to the Newsroom feature enables readers to put their questions directly to different staff members at the Times and previous participants have come from a variety of sections included obituaries, culture and sport.