Ruth Anne Harnisch posted a comment earlier today here and pointed to Dave Cohn’s Spot.us as a model to watch for journalism.
The basic idea: reporters propose story ideas or “tips” in the hope that there will be enough “citizens” interested in making a pledge of support.
Here’s how the Spot.us site describes what this means:
“Pledges give reporters a sense of community interest in a news “tip.” It does not represent real money. Nothing is committed – although we ask you pledge only what you’d be willing to eventually donate if a reporter builds a full “pitch” inspired by this tip. Donations to pitches are tax-deductable and are a transaction. If the pitch is unsuccesful, you will receive money back in the form of Spot.Us credits. No matter what your money will go to support journalism.”
