Substitute the name “Smithsonian” below with the name of your favorite Print Newspaper and we may have something to work with towards effecting positive change in the newspaper industry.  *Note my hyperlinks and bolding added for emphasis.  Note also that not once do they whine about the destructive or disruptive nature of the internet on their business model, they embrace it and seek to leverage it for furthering their mission.

Smithsonian 2.0: A Gathering to Re-Imagine the Smithsonian in the Digital Age

Twenty-four million visitors come through the Smithsonian’s doors each year to view our collections and to learn about science, technology, history, art and culture. We host 175 million (more than seven times the number of our physical visitors) through the Web. As digital technology accelerates and the Web becomes an even more essential part of our everyday lives, that number will grow, possibly reaching billions.

As part of Secretary Wayne Clough’s strategic planning initiative, the Institution will host “Smithsonian 2.0: A Gathering to Re-Imagine the Smithsonian in the Digital Age”—a two-day conference on Jan. 23 and 24, supported by the Smithsonian National Board. Smithsonian 2.0 will bring more than 30 creative leaders from the Web, digital and new media worlds (chosen for their engagement of large audiences, including youth) to meet with a core group of Smithsonian staff to look at our vision, our challenges, and our current level of achievement in Web and new media. This group will try to identify how to move the Smithsonian forward toward a “Smithsonian 2.0.” Continue reading →