The New York Times has launched its “Global Edition,” combining the international reporting of the Times and the International Herald Tribune to provide a “24/7 flow of geopolitical, business, sports and fashion coverage from a distinctly global perspective.”

But, but, but … I thought that was the purpose of the IHT?

Indeed it was — and the IHT has now merged, online, into the NYT edition, shows a Q&A session with editor Martin Gottlieb. Reader reaction is mixed.