How to Find Work as a Citizen Journalist

Contributor

By Samantha Torrence
eHow Contributing Writer

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Citizen Journalism is a new form of journalism that puts the power of writing breaking news into the hands of regular people. Many times citizen journalists are simply called bloggers, but writing diary entries and opinions is different than writing and expanding upon current news events. Finding work as a citizen journalist is relatively easy, although it takes a great deal of work for it to become profitable.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Resume or writing examples

Finding an Outlet in Blogging

Step 1

Start a blog on a blogging website you are comfortable with, for example blogger.com, myspace, and facebook are all websites that promote blogging. You can also start your own webpage.
Step 2

Find your niche. What type of news stories interest you?
Step 3

Find and write a story. Post the story on your blog.
Step 4

Add advertisements on your blog or webpage through and advertising company. The more views you get the more money you make.

Writing for a Citizen Journalist Company

Step 1

Pick a company that publishes citizen journalist news stories and sign up with that company.
Step 2

Look for local newsworthy items to write about. Write the story.
Step 3

Post the story to the publishing company.

Tips & Warnings

Helium.com, Suite101, and Digitaljournal.com are all websites that pay Citizen Journalists. These websites have an established readership, a base that adds advertising revenue which is split amongst the CJ's that write. These websites are great for networking and getting a start. It is best to start with an established company and branch out to your own private blogsite and publish news.
Some highly paid and recognized bloggers are Michelle Malkin, Arianna Huffington, Anne Coulter, and the Daily Kos. Many times they do Citizen Journalism pieces along with their opinions.
Journalism is becoming more highly respected since the inception of Citizen Journalism, or on the ground reporting. It is important to observe the rules of professionalism, nettiquette, and general writing decorum.
Do not just copy and paste other's stories; copyright infringement laws still pertain to CJ's.

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