Name:Sue Frause
Where do you work and what do you do as a citizen journalist?
I'm a freelance writer, and among my numerous writing gigs is being a citizen journalist (reader blogger) for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Although March 17, 2009 was the paper's last day of print publication, it will continue as an online version. I'm one of about 170 P-I citizen journalists and my topic is Whidbey Island Life. Here's the description: "Puget Sound is home to dozens of islands. Sue Frause has lived on Whidbey Island since 1975 and still thinks it's fun taking a ferry to get home. Read about her island's colorful characters and what makes Whidbey such a unique place."
How and why did you get started as a citizen journalist?
I wrote a weekly newspaper column for one of our island's publications, The South Whidbey Record, from 1988-2003. As much as it was a relief to hang up that hat after 15 years, I realized that I missed writing about the people, places and issues in my own back yard. Although it's a non-paying gig, it's turned out to be one of my favorites.
What’s your background?
I've been a freelance writer and photographer since 1988 and a world traveler for the past 40 years. These days, my journalistic specialty is travel. I write for newspapers, magazines, the Internet and also do radio.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned as a citizen journalist?
Anything I write is both correctable (by me) and commentable (by them). When you write for print, very seldom do you get the amount of response that you do when it's on the Internet. Some complimentary, some not. Developing a thick hide is highly recommended!
What skills do citizen journalists need?
Writing, photography, communications, research, curiosity, a sense of humor and a passion for the subject you're writing about.
Do you have any advice to people who want to get involved in citizen journalism?
The communications world is changing daily. Jump in. Keep current with all the social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. But watch out, it can take over your life, so try and keep some balance!
Sue Frause's website.
A recent article she wrote on citizen journalism.
