This is How Spot Reporting Works
I’m very humbled and pleased with how Alexis Madrigal is approaching his investigation into biofuel usage in California. So far he represents a new wave of practice for independent journalists.
He is a reporter who embraces crowdfunding.
Reports his findings in public instead of waiting for a big “aha moment.”
and most importantly – he is building a new relationship with the public.
My first reaction at seeing the image below was laughter.
But something else is happening in the post where Alexis discusses his check.
Yes, it’s a small amount, but the photoshoped image speaks to how large it feels. This is money that wasn’t produced by advertising. It is money that was entrusted to Alexis by the public so he could serve the public’s information needs.
I am willing to venture that is why Alexis was willing to do the story for, what we both agree, is below market value. This money doesn’t serve a corporate interest, it wasn’t produced by pushing advertisements or selling products. It stems from trust and the hope to establish a new kind of relationship between reporters and the public.
Alexis has embraced that relationship wholeheartedly and as such is blazing a trail for others to follow. And they are.
Take a look at another pitch from Chris Amico. It’s on a topic which, although not in the mainstream, is something Chris is obviously passionate about. He WANTS to report on this, in fact, he is asking for your help to make it happen.
This is the type of reporting that Spot.Us wants to support. Reporting that serves the public because it is made possible by the public.
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