The long tail and the New York Times?

Today, The Wall Street Journal reported (, the New York Times is moving hyperlocal! The Times is experimenting with citizen journalism, and constructing a web of sites for various communities in New York and New Jersey called "The Local."  Beginning today, they will cover Fort Green and Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, as well as Maplewood, South Orange, and Millburn, NJ.  With "The Local," The Times is creating a platform for user generated content.  Costs for content will be minimal, and they are seeking to find smaller, local businesses as advertisers.  This is an interesting, and powerful, move by the Times, but it is not without precedent.  The Washington Post tried do something similar in 2007 but did not meet much success.  I'm all for the New York Times staying alive, so let's hope that the Long Tail throws them a bone!