A web of connectedness

From UW-Madison student Emily Bisek:

Check out this New York Times' series One in Eight Million. This multimedia compilation of stories from interesting and unique people throughout the city is interesting in a variety of ways, but perhaps the most intriguing element is the fact that the newsroom is pursuing such a series to begin with. This human interest series serves a very different purpose than the other sections- focusing on the human elements of everyday life, its challenges and life's little accomplishments. The use of multimedia to achieve this perspective works wonderfully, allowing viewers to hear the Jim Romano's voice, Ed Grajales' sighs and Elizabeth Cousins' laughter. The comments on every story are also very uplifting, hopeful and, to a certain extent, as inspiring as the stories themselves. For example, many readers wished Freda Degannes many blessings, wishes and prayers after viewing her miracle. The humanness of One in Eight Million permeates not only the series itself, but the attached reader comments, making for a little web of connectedness rarely seen in newspapers across the country.