#wjchat<\/a> episode 22, I was asked how do you actually crowdsource\u2026 I rattled off five steps that capture what I tell folks during my presentation.<\/p>\nIn cased you missed those tweets, here they are\u2026 slightly longer than 140:<\/p>\n
Step 1:<\/h5>\n
The moment you know you are going to an assignment\/event\/location, announce it. Tell people you are covering the event and ask who is attending. The sooner, the better\u2026 and do it multiple times\u2026 without looking like a crazy spammer.<\/p>\n
Step 2:<\/h5>\n
When you arrive to the scene, tweet that you are there… again, ask who is there too. The point is to find sources! Also, get people to join your reporting\u2026 ask for tips, suggestions and possible questions. <\/p>\n
Step 3:<\/h5>\n
Give updates from the scene… not only text, but send out images and videos when applicable. Again, do a call out for tips, suggestions and questions. You are giving people direct access and getting them an opportunity to get involved.<\/p>\n
Step 4:<\/h5>\n
When you are done, tell people when they can expect to see or read your completed, “official” piece. And, if you got responses, thank people for their help.<\/p>\n
Step 5:<\/h5>\n
After piece runs, ask for feedback, comments, thoughts and tips. Engage with your community before, during and after these acts of journalism\u2026 be genuine and social in social media!
\n
<\/p>\n
Additional tips:<\/h5>\n
<\/strong> Make sure you use hashtags throughout the process! Either use the established one or create a logical one the community would use.<\/p>\n<\/strong> You may or may not get responses, but doing this doesn\u2019t cost you ANYTHING. Remember, it takes less than a minute per tweet!<\/p>\n<\/strong> If you get responses, don\u2019t feel forced to use them, but be grateful you have people engaged enough that they want to HELP you. Make sure you response and thank them. I have a few examples of how crowd sourcing has helped reporters do simple, routine stories. Makes your job EASIER! And makes you more relevant and valuable to the community\u2026 which routinely translates to job security. (Well, it should.)<\/p>\n<\/strong> Everyone knows that \u201cIf your mom says she loves you, check it out.\u201d That old journalism saying applies to tweets, as well as your mom. Just because someone tweets that they are there or gives you a juicy tidbit of info, it does not mean that it is fact. Check it out! What do we call this\u2026 reporting! Do some of that. If you get lazy, you get burned. More importantly, credibility is hard to build, but easy to lose.<\/p>\nAnd remember, these tweets\/communications took only moments\u2026 think about it. Fifteen minutes can make all the difference.<\/p>\n
Here’s a PDF of my Social Network Reporting presentation<\/a>.
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