MyTimes

Last week The New York Times launched My Times, which is basically an RSS reader with additional functional modules (quite possibly a skinned version of netvibes universe). The core differentiator from other portals being the suggestions and picks from the NYtimes journalists / experts themselves.

A little bit about Net Vibes: they believe in “having the web the way you want it”. Its basically a web mashup that includes an rss reader, with modules for email, search, facebook, myspace, video, and images. The central idea being that youtube does video well, flckr does photos well… so, pull that functionality and content into one place.

Its interesting, and overwhelming at times, all portal tools available - iGoogle, myYahoo, netvibes etc. A lot of people might not even be aware of these mashup web tools - or feel comfortable trying them out.

The launch of My Times adds value to NY Times online readership loyalty and content by (1) adding columnist expertise and (2) pulling in other news sources - blogs, BBC, Times, etc. And finally, (3) introducing a very functional tool through the established The New York Times brand.