The New York Times launched an online feature that enables users to set up friends lists and receive a feed of the stories recommended, shared and commented on by those friends.

Until now, nytimes.com readers could comment on stories but couldn't recommend them.

Dubbed TimesPeople, the feature is currently only available as a Firefox browser plug-in, but it should be opened more widely soon.

The New York Times is moving in the direction of social networking by adding these features, although they remain at a very basic level compared to social networking experts like Facebook. Feeds from TimesPeople members can also be set up to appear simultaneously on a Facebook profile.

According to Cnet.com, it is conceivable that a most-recommended tab be eventually added on the Times' homepage next to the popular "most e-mailed" story list.

This is a smart move by the NYT, as they venture slightly deeper into social networking possibilities, while remaining strictly focused on news.

Source: Cnet.com - Beet.tv through European Journalism Centre