''ET - web edition''. Review on Economictimesdiatimes

Are you aware what a consultant would charge you for his mere advise? Are the doctor's consultancy fees based on any costing logic? Don't we land up paying the mountain for lawyer's fees? And why...because they are professionals and have great knowledge in their respective fields, something that you don't have but need it.

What if I tell you that you can get all the advise/consultation that tells you about ''Saving options'', ''Risks and rewards of investment in Mutual Funds'', ''Stocks/Shares'', ''taxes'' for FREE. Possible, you may say!

What if I further add that you can get FREE tips/idea on Strategic Marketing of your product that has reached ''maturity phase'' in its lifecycle OR how to position your latest revolutionary product? Well I have been enlightened (and on daily basis too)...for FREE. Sounds more like any dotcomer's advertising gimmick, isn't it? No but it's true. Check out the online edition of ''THE ECONOMIC TIMES'' at https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/. My own views on the website are as under:

«« HOMEPAGE »»

This is what first meets the eye and so I am starting with it, but this alone is the ''sad'' part to this otherwise wonderful site. Unlike its paper version, which looks glamorous with nice pictures, the pages here are prosaic. (see cnn.com for an example of wow page). There are links to partner sites on top and Indiatimes channels right at the bottom. The rest of the page is divided in three columns. The left column invariably holds several links. The middle column has some categories like say ''politics'' or ''Infotech'' and some headlines under each category. Often there is link dedicated to a series of news/articles that pertains to events that are spread over a number of days like ''IRAQ WAR'' or the recent ''CAS files''. The third column holds the SENSEX/NIFTY/NASDAQ figures, InstaPoll and ET links such as link to ''Expert Advice'', ''Print Edition''. There's a Multimedia news sections that holds audio/video clips. Further down there is Breaking News. What? Imagine breaking news not be seen on homepage directly but after two Pagedown scrolls !!! Whoa! They also have a fourth column - Banner ads!

«« SOME LINKS »» This is where ET online excels - very good categorization of news/articles. We have here,

Companies: Covers basic company specific news - say Wipro Q2 results up, ONGC benefits from hedging, Reliance takes over IPCL or articles as diverse as sexual harassment in workplace.

Economy: That's what ET is all about! It has collection of articles/news (fairly recent) that caters to all facets that affects the nation' economy like Infrastructure, Agriculture, Government policies and also news that are ''Indicators'' towards future trends. Ever pondered that you always look at the top for economy and it always looks down at you!

News By Industry:Try opening any piece of news from any link on any page. If it's industry specific this link always blows up (left column) and shows a sub-menu highlights the corresponding industry from a big list that goes Auto/Consumer products/Energy/Infotech etc. Interesting enough is that it shows related links or links from same industry category in the third column.

«« LINKS I VISIT MOST OFTEN »»

Most Read Articles: You can't miss such classic title. Here it takes you to a web page that list ''Most Read Articles in ET'' or ''Most Read Articles by section''. Listed under these titles are some wonderful news/articles that appeals highest to ET readers and it also displays the number of times it has been viewed in last 24 hours....like the ''Visa Power'' news wherein US government and India is having talks on H1B visa holders being given the social security benefits. Catchy? Check it out!

Money Matters: Here I have taken the word ''matters'' as verb rather than as noun. You will discover the reason for it, after reading the ''Analysis'' section in each category (Mutual Fund/ Insurance/ Savings Center/ Loan center/ Tax Center) - it's that classy. It is equally important for all classes of people who need to clear the cobwebs regarding personal finance management and investing decisions. Why mutual funds have shown a downfall? How safe is it to save in sovereign saving plans? Why has the insurance market picked up? Does a housing loan help in reducing tax burden all the time? This is the section that attempts to answer these doubts.

Opinion: Here there is an immense collection by thinkers/economists as diverse from CA to some college professor that forms the Columnist. Here you will find their personal opinions on topics that are pertinent to the economy. The depth of the topic is appreciable. No, being a finance write-up, it is not dry and mundane but is often put in simple lucid language that also involves humorous takes.

Opinion also has Editorials that really wisen you up. If you find yourself either agreeing to these opinions or disagreeing...Congratulations! They have stimulated you to think and form your own opinion. This is very reason why MBA students/UPSC candidates love ET! But that's not all - Opinion also hosts gems and diamonds in the form of Features and Special Features. Eg.: Surrogate Advertising (hot topic...!) is explicitly covered by Mohit Kapoor in ''Huff and Puff'' (June 14, 2003)

Magazine: For all those who love ET supplements like

Brand Equity: Offers great insights associated with brand value, brand positioning adopted by different companies. Eg.: Sun Microsystems to spend several million for marketing Java as consumer brand. Advertisement to feature sensational Christina Aguilera.

Corporate Dossier: An ideal repository - collectors paradise of best articles about corporate world, we all love it don't we?

ET Travel: All work and no travel makes Anil Ambani a restless man. (my version). But the destination, adventure, travel details are nicely covered in this supplement.

Strategic Marketing: This opens a new web site dedicated to strategy adopted in marketing and promises to be a good resource center for the marketing honchos. The best part is that under these magazines you also have the priviledge of visiting the archives, and the articles do not loose its worth with time.

And all that for FREE !!!

P.S: The other place where you get so much for FREE is but of course, our mouthshut.com