Those of you working in major-metro markets are excused from today's lecture because your coverage area probably crosses over multiple area codes, forcing you to print 10-digit phone numbers whether you want to or not.

Everyone else please note: In all likelihood a significant portion of your online audience is NOT living in your area and does not know the area code. I'm sure even the least resourceful people will eventually be able to track down that information if they really need it, but wouldn't it be nice if they didn't have to?

Why would people need the area code if they aren't living there? Off the top of my head: To make hotel/restaurant/club reservations for an upcoming vacation based on a review you ran, to inform your editors/ombudsperson of erroneous reporting, to contact a business you've profiled to make a purchase/deal/investment......

Bottom line, it's a nice service to your readers and your community.

In all fairness, don't feel too bad, as we are currently guilty of the 7-digit practice as well. This is one of the many details I'm hoping we'll be able to correct in an upcoming CMS switchover. (Though in the meantime I do throw in the 760- as often as possible as I post.)

April 28, 2004