Mainstream Media To Start "Crowdsourcing"

guanxi writes "Gannett, one of the largest newspaper publishers in the U.S., plans to change its newsrooms to utilize Crowdsourcing, a new term for something Slashdot readers have been familiar with for years: \From the article, they will 'use crowdsourcing methods to put readers to work as watchdogs, whistle-blowers and researchers in large, investigative features.' Last summer, the The News-Press in Fort Myers, Florida asked readers to help investigate a local scandal. The response was overwhelming: 'Readers spontaneously organized their own investigations: Retired engineers analyzed blueprints, accountants pored over balance sheets, and an inside whistle-blower leaked documents showing evidence of bid-rigging.' Public service isn't their only concern, of course: 'We've learned that no one wants to read a 400-column-inch investigative feature online. But when you make them a part of the process they get incredibly engaged.' Is this the beginning of a revolution at major media organizations? Can they successfully duplicate what online communities have been doing for years?"

Comments

Re:Bah. The Salem Times did this YEARS ago.

[dfghjk]

Who says it will be amateur journalism? Journalism is "the style of writing characteristic of material in newspapers and magazines, consisting of direct presentation of facts or occurrences with little attempt at analysis or interpretation." http://www.answers.com/journalism&r=67

Anyone who reads /. knows that the direct presentation of facts is rarely the goal. I'd expect it more like bringing slanderous lies to a wider audience and there's no First Amendment right to that. Until recently, lack of journalistic integrity was a risk to one's career. This will only succeed in flushing what little integrity there is left in the process.