Spot.Us: Investing in the future
I just contributed $25 to help an effort to hire a journalist to fact-check the political advertising in a San Francisco election this November. What's the San Francisco tie? I don't know and don't care.
I donated because I'm interested in how this microphilanthropy in journalism will work. Basically, this is using a social network to generate small donations -- a lot of small donations -- to pay for a piece of journalism. Given the evolution/revolution in journalism and business models, $25 is a small price to pay to see how it works. Consider it an investment in the future.
Donate here. Or, for a better explanation, check out DigiDave.
Comments (4)
To report abuse of the comment feature on this site, please use the feedback form at the bottom of any page.
John
Thanks for the contribution.
The SF tie is because Spot.Us is starting in the San Francisco Bay Area. We are dedicated to supporting local journalism/investigations.
But - the structure we use will be open source and if we can get this to work in San Francisco, I would be happy if Spot.Us or somebody else were to then bring it over to North Carolina.
Right now - we are focusing just on the Bay and trying to get proofs of concept (which you are helping out with).
Imagine if it were a local election to you. Do you think you could get enough readers to give $10 donations? It's a good question - and I hope to find that in SF the answer is yes.
Posted on August 6, 2008 1:25 PM
John...
In regards to the opensource idea behind Spot.Us, I was wondering if you thought an online only newspaper for Greensboro would work, both editorially and in terms of making money.
With only an online component, the paper could reach thousands of readers without killing trees and also could take advantage of new media items like the YouTube video you posted on your site today. Unlike a major daily, the startup costs are pretty low.
But also, the site would differ from "regular blogs" in that it would be run by professional journalists. I don't know if it would work in terms of getting advertising, but I'm curious to see what you think.
Also, in light of your support of SpotUs' project in San Francisco, I am wondering also if you would be willing to work with such an enterprise in Greensboro in terms of sponsorship or a joint-operating agreement to sell advertising.
Any comments are appreciated!
Posted on August 11, 2008 12:57 PM
It is an interesting question about whether such an online news site run by paid journalists would be successful. Yes, your capital costs would be low but your payroll wouldn't be. You'd also need to figure out how to market the site. Viral only takes you so far. Personally, I think it would be a huge risk right now, but what do I know?
Posted on August 11, 2008 1:15 PM
But Ted, if you want to talk about it, e-mail me.
Posted on August 11, 2008 1:22 PM