The Economist launched a new invitation-only feature series on its website last week, aiming to connect readers with experts in business and academics, according to a blog posting on MediaBistro.com.

The first series is on "Economics by Invitation," in which 55 economists will share commentary and analysis, and answer questions posed by editors at the newspaper. Readers will also be able to join in the discussions by commenting on expert articles and discussing the economists' answers, BtoBonline.com reported.
With a plan to make the Economist website a leading online hub for intelligent conversations and debate, "The 'By Invitation' series is a natural extension of this strategy," Ron Diorio, vice president of the site's product and community development, told BtoBonline.com. "The success of other features such as our award-winning online debates, the Democracy in America blog and the conversation cloud tool all demonstrate the desire of our readers to engage in intelligent debate and discussion online."

The newspaper also launched a poster ad campaign earlier this month to attract and connect with readers by "sparking engagement and debate" through posters.

More "By Invitation" topics and experts will be announced by the newspaper throughout the year, according to MediaBistro.