In old media, I could never have gone from an editorial assistant to a journalist writing nationally recognized stories in the space of three years. Here, you have more room to grow as a writer and person. Most of her journalist friends have either joined or begun freelancing for Web sites such as SonicNet, Suck, Wired or CitySearch. Young people, especially, are eager to head straight to a Web content business. The numbers are still small, but the trend is unmistakable.
New media is where the creative ferment is taking place.
Your new media division should never be a dumping ground for the disaffected or unwanted. It's the future of your business. Make sure your newsroom knows that talented, motivated staffers have the chance to grow into an online position. Integrate your new media staff into the newsroom. Often it's central to the company's core enterprise.