Digg has begun introducing new features designed to make it easier to both share and find interesting web content.
Aware that the interests of many of its users are not necessarily served by the most popular stories that appear on its homepage, Digg is embracing social networking. Users will be able to form groups in which to share headlines amongst themselves.
The move was prompted because the site’s early users among the tech community have been overwhelmed by others who prefer technology-free news.
“Now that non-tech stories have exceeded the tech stories, the challenge is on us to provide what our community needs,” says Digg co-founder, Jay Adelson.
As well as persuading long-time users to stay with the website, Adelson hopes the changes will encourage more people to contribute by digging, burying and commenting on stories. Most users visit the site only to read and watch posted content, but they may be more enthusiastic about becoming an active user if they know they are sharing with friends.
“We are creating this in-between world for people who maybe don’t want to share information with the whole planet,” he claims. “We all have a shortlist of probably five to 10 people whom we feel compelled to share certain information with.”
You can digg – or bury – the changes at on the Digg website. Some of the new features are demonstrated in a short video.
Adelson’s co-founder, Kevin Rose, claims that Digg will be introducing other new features later this year, including a dedicated images section due to launch in late October; revamped, faster Comments; Digg Alerts to create customised email alerts; and Story Suggest, providing real-time recommendations of stories and possible friends based on past diggs.
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