On A New Approach to Newspapering

I don't know whether this will solve the problem of decreasing newspaper circulation, but it seems like it would increase a sense of connection between a newspaper and its readers (hardcopy readers and/or internet).

At the Greensboro News & Record's Web site, registered users can submit their own stories by clicking on a link. An editor gathers submissions, makes a few small edits, then publishes the articles online -- sometimes within hours. Among recent stories written by readers: a feature on an upcoming cotton-mill convention and a primer on Social-Security reform.

How is it different from a message board or a blog? Well, it taps into the respect and credibility that mainstream media outlets have. So, it simultaneously relies on and reworks (potentially, at least) the institution. Isn't this how innovation works?