Is it a headline or an animated graphic? Or both?

I do love holding paper in my hands and reading. But there are some things, for now*, that only a digital media experience can offer. Like this cool work today from The New York Times digital — in this case, per the credits, Eden Weingart and Aliza Aufrichtig.

I remember when the Times started adding video to stories. They didn’t make a huge thing of it. It was if the photos were just moving. Sort of Harry Potter-ish. Perfectly and simply integrated into the page — just like this animated headline.

BTW that’s not a given. Most video on most news sites is actually a terrible experience. Often the video has nothing do with the story. And even a 10-second clip is preceded (at least one, maybe two) 30-second ads.

*One day “paper” will be digital and we’ll be holding disposable/recyclable e-paper that is interactive.