Leave news to normal people

The ressource question is an ever present for media companies in crisis. Because when advertisers jump ship, as they do, you’re pressured into making sure that you can cover the most bases with the ressources, you’ve got, and usually this means that you end up saving ressources and people on the things that could have given you an edge, while you spread everything you got too thin to cover everything like everybody else is doing.

Is it just me who thinks that (a) this method is stupid and (b) there has to be a better way?

As for the part with the better way, Chris Brogan makes an excellent suggestion: Why not let normal people facilitate the small news? The news that are so petit that it may be hard to justify for the big media company to spend ressources covering it.

There are at least three good reasons to try this out. First of all, people are equipped with all the necessary tools today, so there really is no barrier to entry. Second, some people would be cool with it - especially if they could get recognized for doing it by the big media companiess. And third there might actually come some better stories out of the effort as everything will essentially be personal eye witness reports.

Now I am painfully aware of all the pitfalls with citizen journalism and the some times absurd quality of same. But I seriously believe that it’s a matter of doing it right, reaching out and educating people. Plus actually taking them seriously. Because people who feel they are taken seriously will 99 % of the time make an extra effort to please.

Vad NU! is a consultancy company owned by Mads Kristensen and specialized in helping clients take advantage of the business opportunities created by new media. Click to learn how I can help you and your company.