Google’s about to add a comment feature to Google news - but with a twist. Only people directly involved with the story, like those quoted in it, can submit a comment to be moderated by the Google News staff.

We’ll be trying out a mechanism for publishing comments from a special subset of readers: those people or organizations who were actual participants in the story in question. Our long-term vision is that any participant will be able to send in their comments, and we’ll show them next to the articles about the story. Comments will be published in full, without any edits, but marked as “comments” so readers know it’s the individual’s perspective, rather than part of a journalist’s report. (Google News Blog)

I’m also interested in this part of the FAQ on the new comments policy:

“However, we’ll try to be in touch with you and possibly include your comments in future stories that mention you. “

Future stories? You mean a pre-emptive attack?

This is another avenue for spokespersons, technical experts and plain old communications folk to consider when evaluating their coverage. Why not respond to how your interview, fact sheet or news release were interpreted in the article?