MIND/BODY: Wellness Guide

The New York Times launched an online Wellness Guide this week, which at first glance looked pretty interesting: the splash page has interactive old-timey graphics, and the package is organized around the body eclectic: from head to toe. As a former newspaper woman myself, I am well aware that packages like these are popular with advertisers and the bane of editors. To wit, the articles in the package reflect the this-is-as-thrilling-as-a-dentist-visit excitement of the editor. Some service pieces on bunions and other foot maladies, some regurgitated advice about simple-is-better for anti-aging skin care and some info on discreet hearing aids. All in all, the package is aimed at aging boomers and is really not a wellness package, as it is an "you are getting old and you're freaking" package. The navigation was confusing as well - a series of links on the splash page takes us readers off-site to other health web sites. The product is B-List Times. They can do better. They have to do better.