by Patricia Parker

Created on: May 09, 2008

What is a "citizen journalist?" My interpretation is that it is someone who's observant,
attentive to detail, is committed to truth, attuned to the particular situation and has the
knowledge and desire to communicate effectively.

Citizen journalists can be paid or free-lance types. They can carry recorders in their
back pockets or notebooks in the purse. They can be found in small town arenas or in a

bustling metropolitan area. A citizen journalist isn't specific to gender, race or
religions affiliation. Their clothes can be ragged and worn or of the latest fashion.

They can be a native of a particular area or simply a visitor just passing through.

An eye-witness to an event and the accurate recording of that event makes one a
successful "citizen journalist." Listening and preserving is paramount. Grasping particular words, phrases, expressions, or remarks leads to the attainment of the goal of citizen
journalist. When disaster or calamity strikes, a citizen journalist is at his/her best.

The citizen journalist grasps the enormity of the situation immediately and assesses the severity of the event in one breath. Knowledge of man's innate nature and an understanding of
man's desire for human embellishment is essential.

A citizen journalist must remove himself from the event. He must concentrate on the
event itself and not on how it makes him feel. He must recognize that a precise relating
is absolutely necessary in order to maintain creditability and establish reasonable grounds
for belief. He is never allowed to editorialize or offer his own opinion.

These are tough mandates to follow. If followed successfully, a citizen journalist can
accomplish much. He can be the eyes and ears of a people. He can describe with
his words that which people don't witness themselves. He can convey descriptions, impart
emotions, and deliver accounts that come alive in the mind of the reader.

He must be truthful, sincere and willing to sacrifice self-importance for the sake of
his reading public. Citizen journalists are indispensable and much overlooked in our
processed, Internet-based news world.

A citizen journalist must strive for arriving at the heart and truth of each situation. He must be diligent and aware of nuances, phrasing and the hyperbole that sometimes accompanies stressful or joyful events. He cannot be mocking or self-righteous.
He cannot be imperious or impatient. He must be consistent in his approach and always,
always maintain his composure.

He must offer consolation without being overly consoling. His journalist efforts must be
presented as those of a writer, an observer of human nature. He must choose his
words with great care and deliver them with the utmost of confidence.

Being a "citizen journalist" can be its own reward.

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