The development of the community pages of The Argus in Brighton, an online space where people can upload their own stories.

1. Community journalism at The Argus www.theargus.co.uk/communitypages www.theargus.co.uk/blogs

2. How it started Community correspondents in paper until 2006 In 2007, Argus gives space for independent contributors to write community news and blogs Different way of being a forum for debate and exchange of information

3. Who are our community correspondents? People with involvement in community groups (chairs of LATs, ex-councillors) People already publishing elsewhere Aspiring reporters, most notably students at Journalist Works From later this month, PCSOs

4. Who are our bloggers? Different group from community correspondents Media professionals looking for different creative outlet Aspiring writers (rather than reporters) Experts

5. What we get out of it Not a replacement for professional reporters If not with us, then somewhere else Solving the pothole paradox Staying relevant

6. What they get out of it A ready-made audience (to a point) Technical support and legal advice Support, feedback and encouragement Esteem - The Argus brand still strong

7. Lessons learnt Feedback is crucial Turnover will always be high Don’t be afraid to turn people down Think small – but the more the merrier

8. The future Brighton Community Reporters (SCIP) Wired Sussex intern to develop other aspects of site (forum, information and aggregation) High drop-off rate = constant recruitment