What is citizen journalism? In a Minneapolis StarTribune news article profiling various citizen journalist (including me), citizen journalism is "...the idea that everyday people, not just professional journalists, can gather facts and report on . . .

What is citizen journalism? In a Minneapolis StarTribune news article profiling various citizen journalist (including me), citizen journalism is "...the idea that everyday people, not just professional journalists, can gather facts and report on news in their communities."

Many citizen journalists (CJs) are concerned with a particular issue that they feels is not getting enough attention from mainstream media (MSM). Others are more concerned with how MSM in general pretends to be objective while actually putting forth its own agenda. Still others, like me, simply want to put a more personal face on the media by writing about local issues.

For whatever the reason, citizen journalism is rapidly growing. In some instances, it is even challenging MSM outlets.

Are you a citizen journalist? Chances are you probably are; so why not make it official and publish your CJ articles in this group.

I only ask that you adhere to a few simple guidelines.

1. Write objectively. No rants, insults, name-calling or profanity. Rule of thumb, if you don't see that type of language in a typical news publication then don't write it here.
2. Likewise, please do not post poetry, fiction, or memoir here. As enjoyable as these are to read, they are not citizen journalism.
3. Only publish your original work. If you are a CJ that writes for other publications, you're welcome to provide a link to your article if it is already published elsewhere.


"Citizen journalists ... recapture journalism as a truly democratic practice that is thoroughly rooted in -- and thus directly serves -- the real lives and interests of citizens." Doug McGill
(former NY Times reporter; now editor of his citizen journalism blog The McGill Report)