Enquiring minds can inquire online

By PAUL KARON

Your computer is finally gossip-ready, now that the granddaddy of all tabloids has gotten wired. National Enquirer Online launched last week on the World Wide Web, and is delivering the news inquiring netsurfers want to know --- from the alleged peccadilloes of President Clinton, to the supposed real-life dramas of tabloid regulars such as Farrah Fawcett and, naturally, Elvis.

The new Web site also uses the computer technology to let readers take an active role: They can comment electronically on the latest prattle and rumor, and send in --- and possibly sell --- their own e-mail tips. The online publication will purchase a "Reader Story of the Week" for $300. In addition, readers can ask questions of the big stars who participate in Celebrity Forums. Currently, they'll have rare electronic access to Dan Haggerty ("Grizzly Adams") and Emme, the foremost women's plus-size model.

The Web site was built by online production company E-Ticket Inc., which also designed the "America's Most Wanted" online site. National Enquirer Online is located at www.nationalenquirer.com.

Celebrities may be cringing at the prospect of yet another personal-space-invading media outlet. That makes it all the more ironic that paparazzi-peppered Hollywood players such as Steven Spielberg and Michael Douglas indirectly helped pay for development of the site. The pair are investors in an Internet-venture firm called Idealab, which provided seed money for E-Ticket.