People & Places

Comments (0) Best Business Experimental Model for News - 2009

Spot.us

Let's face it: The Chronicle is on a fast track to oblivion. It publishes less and less local news, and its own Web site, SFGate, has begun sending readers to other sites for some featured stories. But San Francisco still has a seamy underside — and plenty of journalists to write about it. Some have started appearing at Spot.us, a Web site that's creating an alternative marketplace for local news. There, reporters pitch story ideas directly to readers, who can make small donations to help finance the work. Completed articles are posted on Spot.us, unless a publisher buys exclusive rights to a story and refunds the donors. On a recent visit, the site had 21 pitches with an average budget of $700. Eight pitches had been fully funded: One promises to compare San Francisco's richest and poorest Census tracts. Another will explore how the recession is affecting the local sex industry. Print newspapers like the Chron might be dying, but it seems that there's still a future for local news.

Download our Free Best Of App

My Voice Nation Help
2 comments
Sort: Newest | Oldest
4inkjets
4inkjets

Ink Cartridges Price Comparison, Store Review & Coupon, Get the best prices on thousands of Epson, Hewlett Packard, Xerox, Lexmark, Canon and other printer ink cartridges. http://www.findinkjets.com

Search Best Of Awards

Best of Award Graphics

Now Trending

©2013 SF Weekly, LP, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places San Francisco / Bay Area

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city