The long run?

For those who think it will take a long time for a new online-led hyperlocal news model to take hold, I submit the following:

1. On September 28, 2004, a Google search for the term "podcasts" netted 24 hits. Today, that number exceeds a half-million. (Drop the "s" and it's more like 1.5mm.)
2. The chart below shows blog growth since April of last year.

Comments

[Brendan Watson]

While the number of blogs explode, most of these blogs are quickly abandoned. The question isn't whether participatory journalism is here to stay, but rather how motivated individuals or a group of individuals are to maintain a particular website. Put another way, what do we need to do to create a self-sustaining community of citizen journalists? Will local sites have enough energy behind them, or do we need to think about citizen journalism on a larger scale. I think local citizen journalism can be VERY successful, but it will also take a lot of effort by the people running the site to recruit citizen journalists and hold their interests. Successful citizen journalism demands a serious investment of time and money.

[Peg]

Amen! That's why we think we're needed. The biggest disadvatage CJ has over the MSM is that it's not complete and regular. Someone needs to fill in the gaps on what citizens' can't/won't/don't cover; and drum up new "reporters" constantly.

Nothing is free.

[Bruce]

Important point, that. Everyone at one time or another, regardless of their level of commitment/passion, can need a break. But the news keeps on keepin' on. So you're going to want to have backups.

DMN's army of high school football reporters is a good case of hired-gunism; it's an impressive sight and a good model to emulate.