Monday, 07 Mar 2005
Craigslist founder embraces citizen journalism
In an interview with Mercury News staff writer Michael Bazeley, craigslist founder Craig Newmark says his latest interest is citizen journalism, aimed at getting the public more involved in reporting and disseminating news. Whoa! This could be fun folks. Great interview. Here’s a few good quotes:
At the Harvard/Media Center conference last week, everyone kept asking Craig if he was considering a foray into citizen journalism. But he said nothing, but gave a sly grin. It’s exciting that he wants to push this movement forward.Q: Why are you pushing citizen journalism on the Net?
A: “Mostly as a consumer of news, I’ve learned that there’s too much important stuff which isn’t printed, or which is distorted on the way out, the best example being news out of the White House. We need to fix it.
We, meaning the public, need to evolve a trusted institution with lots of fact-checking that we can trust, and that we can prove does provide honest news.
(It would include) both professional and amateur journalists working together along with institutions like FactCheck.org.”
Q: What role do you see yourself playing in this emerging area?
A: “I want to help other people do the real work. I’m no newsman, I’m not much of a businessman. I’m just one persistent nerd."
(via IWantMedia)
