The Fray: Setting the standard for online forums

Recently, Slate asked users for feedback on what site design improvements they would like to see and on June 4, launched a sleek and shinier version of The Fray.  Although usability varies from browser to browser, the new Fray features highlighted selections on the main page based on three criteria: editor’s picks, most read, and highest rated.  An easy-to-navigate method of organization is crucial to online forums, which otherwise could fall victim to badly managed threads and lost discussions.

In addition, The Fray users benefit from contributions by staff members, including Slate associate editor Daniel Engber.  By joining the discussion, staff members can not only help manage the discussions but can also break the traditional barriers of top-down editorial management and symbolic distance from readers.  Staff-initiated discussion topics typically solicit interesting and thoughtful responses.

Perhaps most importantly, a successful online forum should continually gauge user feedback and adapt the site accordingly.  In another example, City Room, a new online community launched by The New York Times, plans on hosting Q&A sessions to encourage user input on both design and content as the site grows and evolves.  With newspapers delving further into the Internet realm, asking readers what they want and presenting information how they want it seems like a successful plan. 

Source: Poynter Online