Why bother to crowdsource?

This method isn’t suitable for every story. But if a story with one or two sources is not as compelling as one involving the perspectives of many people, then crowdsourcing is an option. Throw a VERY SPECIFIC AND FOCUSED question out wide, and see if experts or people with experience come back. As with the example of the WNYC reporter, however, be ready to get answers you never expected.

Why should the crowd come work for free?

Because the responses come from people who are invested in the story and care passionately about that particular issue. A crowdsourcing tool hosted by their news station gives the audience a chance to participate in reporting on topics that affect them. Usually a crowd response will be impulsive and immediate and it takes an editor to set the tone and the direction of the effort. Once the question is out, be ready for many people to answer all at once. That’s why online tools and available staff are vital at the launch of a project. If the tools are easy to use, contributors get prompt response from producers and the story makes the deadline, everybody wins.

Why should I take WNYC’s word for it?

Don’t stop here! There are plenty of practitioners out there talking about their own ways of mobilizing an audience to help digest data or report a story. Please visit our More Info page, where we continually add articles, tips, examples and great people to follow!