Some new or recent developments noted:

• Discreet comments: Netzeitung is finally allowing readers to comment on articles (example: interview with Tom Kummer). That’s good news. A couple of reactions, though: It’s fairly well hidden. It would be better if the comments were immediately visible below the article. And comments are screened before publication. All experience suggests that the editors won’t be able to uphold that if the comment function becomes popular – and if they really want a lively debate.
• Journalism R&D: Project Red Stripe “is a six-member team comprised of The Economist Group’ls employees that has been brought together with the task of creating an innovative and web-based product, service or business model by July 2007.” Media businesses haven’t been among the best in doing systematic research and development. This seems to change. The New York Times started its first research and development group over a year ago, the FT reported recently. And Danish colleagues Kontrabande have “journalism R&D” as their motto.