Main Line print readers will be able comment, join the local conversation

Throughout my career, I've been told by both online and print editors that print readers and Web readers are two different audiences. One enjoys "the feel of the paper in their hands" while the other is connected through several devices, both mobile and immobile, in search of breaking news and anything else they can put their eyes on.

But is this true when it comes to a local conversation?

We at Main Line Media are asking this question today and hope to collect some evidence in next week's print edition when we will be adding quick response or QR codes to our print editions.

What is a QR code?

A QR code is the trademark name for a matrix barcode that can be scanned by a QR code reader, usually downloadable in smartphone app stores, and will usually lead the scanner to text or a URL address. In our case, when you scan a Main Line Times QR code, the user will be directed to a Web page or section of our website.

The QR codes in next week's editions will be linked to conversations that are already happening in the comments sections of stories on our website.

Join the conversation

Since we are constantly posting new stories to our site before they make it to print, conversations are already occurring and developing by the time that newspaper is in the hands of its readers, building reader perspective and opinion.

As a former Community Engagement Editor, I worry that print readers are missing out on reader reactions to stories when we don't write a reaction story and obviously you can't post a comment on a print page.
However, if we can assume that most Main Line print readers have smartphones, this news organization has an incredible opportunity to bypass that whole duel-audience theory (which has been proven at other papers) and develop ourselves into a true multimedia publication.

The idea behind this new venture is to make our papers more interactive and to connect our Web and print communities for a better reading, viewing and engaging news experience.

This is just one plan churning in our newsroom. I'll post more here on The Main Line Post blog.

If you have an idea about how we can make our newspapers more interactive, please post a comment below and I'll be sure to respond.