GoFundMe Journalism

        I've heard about websites like GoFundMe and Kickstarter that help people raise money for a certain cause. But before class, I hadn't thought about its potential to journalist as seen with Beconreader. The idea that journalists essentially work directly for the people is one that we've discussed in Indi Media, but I feel that these new websites take this to a new level.

          In class we talked about how that guy who was funded by his readers to go to New Hampshire and cover the election. These websites allow for a greater implementation of this concept, of readers choosing what stories they want covered. Looking at some examples, we can see the power in people being involved in these projects. It also intertwines with the idea we talked about how when people invest into something, they feel more connected, more committed to it.

     The first example I looked at was one of the most successful was a project called DecodeDC. If you look at the summery, it reads, "DecodeDC is a new way to cover Washington. We are tired of the same old red vs. blue stories, the exhausting horse-race coverage of elections. We yearn for stories with depth, on issues that really matter."  This summery brings a concern that we've talked about in class. That the mainstream is ignoring, or not covering adequately some issues, congress for example. If you look at the results of this program, people agree!  Its pledge goal was $75,000. It received a whopping $100,724, way above the goal pledge. Also, they made it a point to make sure the money was going mainly for the actual stories, not as profit. "Most important, the seed money will keep our chins just above water -- enough to eat ramen only a few nights a week."

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1832422021/decodedc?ref=38k4lm

      Some are more focused but receive just as little or inadequate media coverage as the first one. This one was called The Island of Windows, which shed light on a deadly disease. In this, they describe exactly what they will use the money for, saying, "We're asking for your support to travel to another region affected by the disease and report on our findings. Sasha plans to write a series of articles exploring this new international threat, and Anna will produce a photo gallery and video illustrating its human consequences.  You will get a first look at our materials from the field and updates as the story unfolds, and we will acknowledge all of our backers on the Center for Public Integrity website." This project was smaller but still was able to earn the money needed by a 100 backers who felt this story was important. 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/83367133/the-island-of-widows?ref=38k4lm

        These stories are interesting, they're fresh. They are what’s not being talked about. But what's most important is that the people seem to be supporting this model of controlling what they want to know about by funding certain projects. I think this will only continue to grow as we see this kind of, pay for what you want approach not only in journalism but TV. But the difference in this case is that this allows independent journalists to get funding and do work, since money has often been a problem for Indi publications.