One of the highest-profile independent venues for citizen journalism
appears to be on its way out. Today,
Bayosphere founder
Dan
Gillmor published this
open
letter to the Bayosphere community. While not exactly saying
"it's over," the writing is on the wall. Gillmor is now leading the non-profit
Center for Citzen Media, which he founded recently.
Wrote Gillmor, "We are talking with several folks who are interested in
bringing the site under their own wings, as part of operations whose
proprietors [partner
Michael Goff] and I respect. No promises here:
But if we can keep Bayosphere going in a good way we'll work hard to
make that happen."
I'm not terribly surprised by this, but I am sad to see Bayosphere go.
Gillmor's letter gives a lengthy, thoughtful list of lessons learned
from his Bayosphere experience. For instance, "Citizen journalists
need and deserve active collaboration and assistance. They want some
direction and a framework, including a clear understanding of what the
site's purpose is and what tasks are required. (I didn't do nearly a
good enough job in this area.)"
I completely agree with that, as I've
mentioned
earlier in this blog and also at
I,
Reporter.
I'm concerned that people might people draw unfounded conclusions --
specifically, that the demise of this high-profile venue indicates an
inherent lack of economic or business potential for citizen
journalism. It's important to realize that we're still very early in
the evolution of citizen journalism. Bayosphere represents one attempt
-- and despite its flaws, I would never call it a failure. Bayosphere
produced a lot of great content and important lessons.
I encourage everyone interested in the news business, and citizen
journalism in particular, to read Gillmor's full letter.
