Five major magazine and newspaper publishers on Tuesday announced plans to build an industry-standard platform to present their work on the Web, phones and e-readers in a richer, more flexible and more lucrative form than is possible today. The consortium of Time Inc., Conde Nast, the Hearst Corporation, Meredith and the News Corporation does not lack [...]
Today marks the start of a collaboration of a few Central & West Central Florida hyperlocal sites, beginning with Chuck Welch's Lakeland Local and Metro I4 News, and Tommy Duncan's Sticks of Fire. These three sites have covered the goings-on of Central Florida for over 10 years. Over the past two months we've discussed how we could increase coverage of our neighborhoods, while not completely lose touch with our families. We'll borrow freely from each other's expertise. Chuck is a sitesmith. He's been known to force a Wordpress theme or two into submission. Tommy is a passionate observer of society, who is excited about the possibilities of several folks working together. However, we are both are first, and foremost, writers. We will continue to cover our home areas of Tampa, St. Pete, Lakeland, and Polk County. In the coming weeks we'll expand from primarily geographical coverage to add a topic site on the nuts and bolts of hyperlocal publishing. We also hope to work with other Central Florida sites to expand news coverage, ideas, and expertise. For now though, we're starting slow. We've started with a new design for all three sites. Inside you'll still find the same strong reporting and photography you've enjoyed. We're hoping it'll be easier to navigate and find some articles you might have missed. We'll make tweaks over the next few days as we get reader feedback. So don't be shy. You can contact Tommy or Chuck or just leave a comment here.
Hyperlocal reporting – citizen journalism – bloggers -- “them.” are all terms for those local freelance reporters of news who operate their own online publishing outlets. It doesn't matter what term you use, just as long as you understand that the consumer of news has become a publisher of news. No longer do you need to “buy ink by the barrel” to have a voice in your community. You just need to spend way too much time covering commission meetings, developing contacts, asking questions, and writing. Lots of writing. But little sleep. Here's what you get as a writer of hyperlocal news: a better understanding of your community and who are the influencers. Here's what you won't get: rich. Don't do this for the money. You're not going to make much, if any. Write a hyperlocal news site because you have the passion to be a government watchdog, or a community builder, or ombudsman. I hope I've dissuaded most from making the attempt. Those left who aren't in it to make a killing will get tips, tricks, and other information to make writing hyperlocal news easier and more fulfilling. Fasten your seat belts...