What's so great about citizen journalism?

I agree with much of what Chris says. It's all about personal fulfilment more than anything else. Everyone has an opinion but not many can transfer it into an article.

Money is great and all, but if you want money, journalism is hardly the business to get into. It has one of the lowest rates of pay for entry-level employment and one of the highest  insurance costs for driving.

Overall, it's not about getting people to agree or disagree with you, it's to entertain. I love writing and, like Chris, I'll always do it, regardless of what my career path will be in 10 years time. If I have only one reader for my pieces, I'm happy.

The trick is being true to yourself as a writer - not to cave in to other people, but to be wary of their beliefs and to debate - be able to back yourself up, but leave enough room to concede if your beliefs are not as correct as you think.

Particularly with the growing open source movement online (Linux, Mozilla etc on the increase), as well as replacements for programs that cost a lot to buy (Open Office, GIMP, etc), it's allowing for more people to express themselves online.

I think there's a fine line, however, between being a writer and being a rent-a-quote. I think the main thing that separates citizen journalists from those is a keen interest in that which you are writing about. The greatest skill of any journalist expressing their opinions is the ability to engage readers with the topic.

This was probably a rambling monologue but I plan to write something about this in the future - people have different primary views on writing, but I think everyone has common interests deep down when it comes to it.

Chris Gaynor

As we all know journalism, like any industry is not a well-paid job, unless you are earning mega-bucks with the mainstream media who are run by the rich moguls such as Murdoch etc.

But with the growth of citizen journalism, it means that everyone can have a voice, and feel valued in a society where people, rightly or wrongly are beginning to feel undervalued by egoists politicians and disassociated media men.

So, the reason 'us' citizen journalists don't get paid is not because the work is not very good, it is because some, like me, are using citizen journalism as a springboard, as well as the sheer love of writing.

Ofcourse, we would all like to be paid for the copy we send into citizen journalism site but the sheer reward of having your name in print or online is more satisfying than any money in your wallet.

I love journalism - and love writing. Paid or unpaid, I will continue to do it as a past time or as a career until the day I die.