Newspapers, by and large, are beginning to embrace their online readership rather than fight the transition. Nowhere is this more evident than the recent redesign of the Los Angeles Times' website.
What stands out immediately is that it looks like a blog. In fact, it looks a lot like any blog you might read from just about any blogger.
Then there's this, from Meredith Artley, managing editor, online, about the new look: "We're breaking more news than ever on latimes.com; we've expanded our blog network; we're publishing more stunning visual, interactive journalism; and we have savvy readers like you contributing to conversations."
Blog network? Interactive journalism? Contributing to conversations? Has the LA Times gone mad? Not exactly. What they've done is taken a decisive step toward becoming a news source focused on the user, not so much old traditions or dare we say - advertisers. Let's examine some of the design changes by comparing to The New York Times, and see if we can't learn a thing or two. For now, we'll concentrate on items and layout above the fold.LA Times
NY Times
After the click
Clearly, the focus of LA Times' redesign is user-friendly usability. They have made a bold attempt to connect with a more Internet-savvy audience. And by doing so, they have actually made the site more inviting - encouraging site exploration, which means exposure to more ads than just the one above the fold.
Proof will come later, as the design takes hold with consumers - or doesn't. For now, the move looks absolutely user-focused. And that's a good thing for everyone, including advertisers. After all, happy readers come back and start clicking.