I spotted this post on the editors' blog in Modesto the other day, and it raised an obvious question: how hard/easy would it be for others to do this?
The traffic accident picture above appeared in The Modesto Bee in recent weeks, and it has a distinctive trait. It was taken not by a Bee staff photographer but by a member of the public. Someone happened onto the scene of an accident and, using a digital camera, took pictures. This is a solid news photo, and we were pleased to be able to offer it to our readers.Since they obviously have the technical capacity to receive and use reader submissions like this, does that mean everybody can (or easily could) do the same?
I know some of you already do things like this -- the nightclub photos at ADN's "Play" site come to mind, and I know I have seen lots of reader photos on Heraldonline in Rock Hill. What I'm really asking is how much of this capacity/capability can be easily shared? What kinds of sharing (of tools, not content) do we do now?
I'd also like to know what the process of verification is. I know I've proposed something similar to this to be used here in Fresno, but was shot down because of trying to verify everything that came through.
ReplyDeleteWhat's everyone do for that out there?
The photos we've received from the public are typical walk-ins, just like the occasional walk-ins we'd receive during the film era. Some of the people come to the building, others call or e-mail. We talk with them, ask them to describe the images and how they received them, then ask them to sign a standard agreement.
ReplyDeleteThe photos we've received from the public are typical walk-ins, just like the occasional walk-ins we'd receive during the film era. Some of the people come to the building, others call or e-mail. We talk with them, ask them to describe the images and how they received them, then ask them to sign a standard agreement.
ReplyDeleteThe photos we've received from the public are typical walk-ins, just like the occasional walk-ins we'd receive during the film era. Some of the people come to the building, others call or e-mail. We talk with them, ask them to describe the images and how they received them, then ask them to sign a standard agreement.
ReplyDeleteThe photos we've received from the public are typical walk-ins, just like the occasional walk-ins we'd receive during the film era. Some of the people come to the building, others call or e-mail. We talk with them, ask them to describe the images and how they received them, then ask them to sign a standard agreement.
ReplyDeleteRalph, do you publish a blanket disclaimer with the photo submissions, i.e. all photos become property of the Sacramento Bee etc.
ReplyDeleteAnders, the blog tip (linking to the story) is helpful. I notice the fields require people to offer their namem, I wonder if the software rejects posts without names and how you know if the name is real.