Those journalists have had to consider the perspectives of editors, publishers, sources and coworkers. But rarely that of the readers they serve. On the Internet, no one has a monopoly anymore. Anyone with a modem and something to say can publish to a worldwide audience. So professional journalists must now consider the needs and wants of their readers as never before.
Readers come to the Internet to get information they can t get someplace else.
Remember, a lifetime s habit of turning to newspapers, magazines, television, radio or even to friends is not easily broken. If the Internet provides no more information than the sources a reader has traditionally sought, that reader has no reason to log on. Fortunately for us, as Internet publishers, traditional journalism media have done a pretty lousy job at meeting the public s information needs. Sure, we deliver the basics. Let's say that your mother might have Alzheimer s Disease, and you re wondering what to do.