Also, in an effort to become the one-stop shop for all types of information, USAToday.com began providing readers and site visitors with the opportunity to search for their unique interests and connect with other like-minded individuals. For instance, in the first quarter of 2008, USAToday.com introduced "Network Journalism," a site that combines professionally created content from USA Today writers with consumer-generated content, comments, and recommendations, as well as instant message news alerts and advanced search functions. In addition, the website launched nearly
200,000 unique online topics pages available via links threaded in the story pages or through a stand-
alone topics section. According to Jeff Webber, publisher of USAToday.com , "USA Today has always focused on what America is talking about and provides the content that fuels the nation's conversation. Our new topics pages go in-depth into subjects ranging from Sarah Palin to Starbucks; Barack Obama to Bono; and American Idol to the iPhone, all the things that make America tick." The topics page categories include Brands; Culture; Events and Awards; Health and Wellness; Legislation and Acts; Natural and Physical Sciences; Organizations; People; Places, Geography; and Religion and beliefs.