From Adbusters
Based on the concept of 'crowdfunding', spot.us is an experiment in citizen-funded community journalism.
Here's how it works: Anyone can propose a story idea. The ideas are posted online and citizens can then pledge contributions to the stories they want to see reported. If enough people chip in, the idea is investigated and the story gets published.
In one case, journalist Lindsay Hoshaw pitched a story to the New York Times about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The newspaper accepted her pitch, but Hoshaw would have to pay her own reporting costs. Hoshaw posted her story to spot.us and raised over $6000 from 116 people. Donations ranged from $10 to $700, and the story made it to the New York Times.
Crowdfunded journalism is an interesting concept, but will it work? Is this democratic media or news sold to the highest bidder? Check out the site and tell us what you think.
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