Subject: Electronic Publishing as Communication - Re: GENDER ON LINE From: dowjone!rexb (Rex Ballard) Date: Mon, 14 Mar 94 02:40:18 EST

Cc: mpotts@access.digex.net, carrie.peyton@24stex.com,
        online-news@marketplace.com
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> On Thu, 10 Mar 1994, Debra Gordon wrote:
> Span observes of sex differences and ... 

> - The ``Killer App'' with potential to draw women online in larger 
> numbers: Communication. ``You can reach out and touch people you know and 
> hundreds of thousands of people you don't and discuss everything from 
> breastfeeding to foreign policy. This isn't technology, this is 
> expression, relationships, community, all the things women are taught to 
> be skilled at.''

My observations are similar.  There is lower participation by women in
technology oriented groups.  On the other hand, the "soc, alt, and talk"
groups are heavily patronized by women.  Some are even dominated by women.
There is a high presence of women in "personals" groups.

The interesting factor here is that it is the interactive aspect that is
sought in on-line service.  The purpose is communication, send and receive.
Women dominate several industries including advertising, marketing, public
relations, insurance, and customer service.  These are the industries that
can gain the most in terms of "Bottom Line" benefits from on-line news and
on-line advertising.

The electronic publication as a function of communication encourages the user
to filter out "noise" and tune in to "relevant content".  The user interacts
by requesting that which is of interest, follows through on relevant content,
and takes action on the most promising opportunities.

>    These lines sound a lot like some of the qualities many of us are 
> striving for as we try to remake newspapers in this new electronic community.
>  They sound also like some of the very qualities that local newspapers 
> alone can bring to the electronic medium - and qualities perhaps that newspapers
> can achieve only in the electronic medium.

Local newspapers (local news sources) can fill some very special niches.
Especially in the area of providing information about community events, needs,
and accomplishments.  On-line announcements of zoning motions, police calls,
and legislative agenda can be a major benefit.  This can be coupled with
classified advertizing in the areas of personals, living situaations (apartments,
condos, houses, ...), cars, and local services.  Accomplishments and Needs
of community organizations including shelters, food banks, and detoxes can be
published.  Business starts, closings, and downsizing can be tracked.

This information has use on a national level.  Places with high layoff levels
can be good places to start new businesses.  Places with new business starts
may need more capital, housing, and services.  This is all information useful
to banks, insurance, builders, and individuals.

>    If we find ways to serve the needs of folks who feel left behind by 
> newspapers -- such as young people and minorities -- and also of those 
> who may feel left out of the infotechnology celebration -- such as women 
> and minorities -- surely we'll go far toward success in both the 
> commercial and social terms that matter to newspapers. 

Local news sources provide a very important service the nationals can't.  They
can answer the question: "How can I take action and contribute to my community
today".  That can range from sending a letter to the local school board to 
donating clothes the local shelter or food the the soup kitchen.  People like
to contribute.  Local sources provide that opportunity in the same way
that national news services provide corporate citizens the opportunity to
contribute resources at the national level.

In essence, the tone of the electronic publication is one of possibility,
opportunity, and acknoledgement.  It is a source of what is happening
"Right Now", with little time for resignation and cynicism.  This, more
than anything else may be the most important distinction of on-line
publications.

>  -BRUCE SICELOFF     Online Editor, The News & Observer / NandO.net.

	Rex Ballard
	Project Manager
	DowVision Joint Ventures
	Dow Jones & Company, Inc.


From jvncnet!marketplace.com!owner-online-news Tue Mar 15 12:32:49 1994