Critiquing CNN iReport

I think the idea of CNN iReport is a really good one, however, I was confused by the website at first; the website should have had an about section right when you go onto the website to explain it better, and a way to help a user navigate through the website better.

 Despite my initial misgivings after realizing what iReport was the more it began to grow on me. For those that do not know, CNN iReport is basically a citizen journalism website. Citizens are encouraged to take videos and pictures of news events and breaking news and to upload it on the website, similar to WikiLeaks. I believe that the website is a unique way to get information, news and facts from eyewitnesses.

 However, being a journalism student also causes me to be wary of this website because, since this website is geared towards everyday citizens there are less limits, less boundaries, less rules and less obligation. Unlike journalists, these citizens can post what they like as long as they claim it to be true. Though the website does have editors on it monitoring and promoting the stories it is something that needs to be kept an eye on.

 Despite my one concern with citizens becoming journalists without the proper preparation, I do believe that CNN's iReport is a unique way to get the audience involved as well as getting more news from around the world. iReport is also a more creative way to spread information than a news paper, it is quicker, more appealing and more interesting appealing to the viewers.

 If there was a typhoon in India and millions are losing their homes each minute a video uploaded from and India native standing on his flooded home would be of greater interest than a print story.

 Almost everything has a flaw in it but all in all this website is a great resource which I know I will be using throughout my career as a journalist and highly recommend it to anyone!

 www.ireport.cnn.com