by Carolyn Tytler

Created on: May 03, 2008

Citizen journalists are more trustworthy than professional journalists, and clever editors should take advantage of their skills whenever they have an opportunity to do so. Authors of frequent "Letters to the Editor" in the local newspaper will provide names and reveal clues as to the literary ability of the writers.

If talented people are invited to submit articles of interest on community affairs, they would probably be thrilled to do so. Some will likely work for the pleasure of knowing their work will be read and appreciated by friends and neighbors. Others may request a small stipend for their efforts, but it will certainly be less costly than paying for the column of a well-known feature writer.

The advantages of utilizing citizen journalists are many. Among them are:

- Citizen journalists will report on people, places or events in which they are personally interested. No one gave them a definite assignment and told them when, where, and how long to write the required article. The spice of their enthusiasm for the topic will seep through into their writing, making it more interesting for readers.

- As a general rule, they will take the time and the trouble to investigate subtle details which professionals may overlook because of looming deadlines or other time constraints. No one is looking over the shoulder of the citizen journalist urging him to finish in time for the morning (or evening) edition.

-They do not have to bow to the usual political stance of a particular newspaper or chain of publications. They are free to report the truth as they see it. They are more likely to produce completely unbiased copy and this could occasionally function as a good balance to the usual editorial stance of the publication.

- Because they are independent agents, citizen journalists will be anxious to merit repeat requests for their efforts. Their articles are likely to be clear, well-organized, with correct spelling, punctuation , and faultless grammar. They realize substandard work will probably end up in the wastepaper basket. They are not used to having imperfections corrected by an editor.

-Citizen journalists come from all walks of society. Since they do not usually hang around with professional journalists, they will bring fresh topics and different perspectives from those readers have come to expect. Some additions will be welcomed, others may not. In any case, it will provide valuable feedback to the staff as to which of their features are most appreciated and

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