First time using The Point?
This campaign has a tipping point -- you pledge money now, but you’re only charged if the total pledges reach $250. This way, you know your participation will make a difference. See how else you can make something happen on The Point.
Close

You've Enabled Community Funded Reporting!

David Cohn Sep 5, 2008
Posted by David_icon

Post Reply

  • David_square
    message
    David Cohn started this discussion on Sep 5, 2008

    Helllo Spot.Us Supporters!!!!

    About one month ago we formed a little group that funded Alexis Madrigal’s reporting on biofuel usage in California. It was the first ever example of “community funded reporting” organized by Spot.Us – I can’t thank you enough.

    We know it goes against the immediate gratification of the web – but I’m proud to finally announce that you can read the full investigation online.

    The full investigation has also been republished over the course of the week at Gas2.org, EcoLocalizer, and Celsias.com.

    The reporting also caught the eye of: BioFuel Digest, Huffington Post and countless others.

    Together we’ve made journalism happen and have done a small part to keep our democracy strong by informing the public. For Spot.Us – this group has set a precedent that is already been followed.

    Spot.Us has also successfully funded a reporter who will fact-check political advertisements for 10 weeks preceding the local SF Election.

    This effort (and our fundraising for the ethanol story) caught the attention of the NY Times!!!

    We are ONLY $20 shy of funding another environmental investigation – into California’s cement industry and how they can stay in business while trying to reduce their c02 output!!!!

    As we get more success stories from spot.us – more reporters are creating pitches about important issues. Just this week we launched our 4th and final pre-beta pitch – looking into how the Bay Area will cope with the growing elderly population.

    Bottom line – the ethanol investigation was a history making event for spot.us. It would have been impossible without you joining us, believing in us and helping us move forward. Thank you!!!!!

    David Cohn

    Director Spot.us