The Columbus eDispatch

Ohio's greatest hometown newspaper, as the giant sign reads atop their headquarters, has a new wrinkle. Today, the Dispatch unveiled its electronic edition. I know what you are thinking, “Wasn’t it already electronic in the form of a website?” The answer apparently is…kind of.

Almost exactly one year ago, we mentioned the addition of blogs to the newspaper. The blogs, at least the ones I read, add value to the paper’s content. I struggle to see how this new feature will do the same. Were online readers clamoring for this?

The electronic edition looks exactly like the regular newspaper only shinier, and without the ink dirtying your fingers and clothes. Just like the old-school print edition, you can turn the pages, view entire pages at once, and even check out the sketchy ads for assorted massage parlors around town. You can click on an article and a new window pops up. Basically, you can see box scores and graphics in a slightly different format. Nothing Earth shattering.

Other newspapers have this feature, most notably, the New York Times. I never look at that version either. Unlike the Dispatch, the Times’ website is fully functioning, attractive, and user friendly.

The technology is fine and since most newspapers are digital from start to finish these days it is probably not difficult to pull off. Still, why do it? I imagine they can charge their print advertisers more because additional eyes will see the ads even if no additional print copies are sold. I believe that value is minimal.

In a day and age when newspapers' readership and revenue is down, I think their money is better spent upgrading the website to include more multimedia and/or interactive features. Hell, a consistent template would be nice, too (regular page v. Ohio State sports v. politics page).

Ultimately, what does this mean for you Buckeye Fan? Basically, you will be able to read about Tressel's fifth straight victory over Michigan in an "electronic format."