MediaPost reports that USAToday.com's redesign to include many social networking features has paid off.  In article, Gavin O'Malley reports:

USA TODAY'S COMMUNITY-CENTRIC MAKEOVER LAST month appears to be paying off in dividends. Indeed, the site has seen a dramatic 380% increase in registrations since the re-launch, while its unique visitor rates have grown 21% from February, according to Nielsen//NetRatings…Sections seeing particularly strong traffic gains include Sports, Money, Travel and Tech, according to Gannett's internal measurements.

This seems to make sense since social networking features can have stickiness potential.  Site visitors want to come back and debate a story on the site with others, blog about a variety of subjects, or share their point of view via several different types of media.  It is also interesting to note that the sports, money, travel, and tech sections are showing great growth; this is perhaps because people tend to have lasting hobbies and interests in these topics.  Further, they could also urge their friends to go on to such sites to see their work.

It is also interesting to note that the sports, money, travel, and tech sections are showing great growth; this is perhaps because people tend to have lasting hobbies and interests in these topics.

It is nice to see that USA Today is having some success in social networking.