If you have just found this site, I thought I would do a re-cap and summarize what I’m trying to accomplish here on bloggerlens.com. I publish a hyperlocal site in Monroe, N.C., monroescoop.com. Some call sites like mine hyperlocal blogs. Some call them citizen journalism sites. Whatever you prefer to call it, it’s a site focused on my hometown. News, community events, business profiles etc.
I have been hyperlocal blogging since December, 2008. Just a little over 4 months from the time of this writing. There are a lot of resources across the internet for those who are interested in starting a hyperlocal blog in their community or neighborhood. I will be reviewing these sites from time to time but what I want to do here, is share with you the step-by-step building of my site from the ground up. I will share with you my methods, successes and failures. I hope there are not too many failures, only success. I can guarantee you how not to fail. It’s simple. Sit on your rear end and do nothing.
Below is a screen shot of my hyperlocal web site. I published the article you see in the photo just this morning. The photo and article were e-mailed to me from a local Rotary Club. It was a matter of taking the time to publish it. I probably spent an hour on the article. Articles such as this one are easy. I didn’t spend any money on gas and it only took an hour or so to prepare it for publishing. I always get a good feeling after these types of articles. I feel that in some small way I have served my community. Let me tell you right now, the organizations in your area are dying for publicity. When you start your hyperlocal site, you will be filling a need in your community.
My Hyperlocal Blog, The Monroe Scoop
I hope that I can somehow be helpful to you if you are considering starting a community site in your town. I have a ways to go and there are a lot of pioneers out there who have already forged a path for folks like you and I. I really admire these early citizen journalists and a lot of what I do is to emulate those who are already successful. No need to totally re-invent the wheel, right? Of course you will put your own spin on things as you develop your own style. You may not know it yet, but yes, you have a style all your own.
I welcome your comments and suggestions below.
Copyright 2009 bloggerlens.com Hyperlocal Blogs & Citizen Journalism
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I am loving my hyperlocal blog! Looking forward to reading your thoughts!
Nice job on your site. Everyone should take a look. http://theflossip.com/. Thanks for the comment and I hope you will add to the conversation here. Bloggerlens is new but I hope we can all be a resource for each other.
Steve,
I think you are right on the money, Citizen Journals really fill a need in the community; a need that is usually not fully met by even the largest and most successful newspapers, so-called.
I say so-called because those big dailies often skip right over the news that is useful in favor of the news that it entertaining, i.e, the blood and gore news, and what someone in the Hollywood crowd is doing what to whom. Even when they report on worthwhile news the established dailies–let’s not forget to include the TV and radio stations–have an editorial slant to their coverage, which is not what news is. News is the reporting of what is, not what some reporter wants it to be.
As you point out, the local aspect is one of the most important aspects that is missing from the coverage of the establish press.
An important part of the local aspect is putting before the public the happenings of local charities and service clubs. Their message needs to be gotten out to the general public. Many people forget or simply don’t know about all the good local charities and service organizations do. They need to be reminded frequently.
Thanks for pointing us toward how to set up a successful hyperlocal blog and Citizen Journal. You are filling a great need in your work on our behalf.
Thanks, Steve Sharron.