YourArlington.com is an experiment in community journalism dedicated to reporting news about Arlington, Mass., and the Arlington-related views of its residents. The experiment not unique but is part of a nationwide movement called "citizen journalism." The phrase gained currency through We the Media, a 2004 book by Dan Gillmor. This kind of journalism encourages members of a community to write about that community. The writing may be reporting, or it may be opinion.
For YourArlington, the site's publisher,
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, an Arlington resident since 1989, acts as a liberal guardian about what is posted on the site. See his resume.
He encourages factual reporting, honest opinion and overall fair play. He urges town residents to register and tell the public what they know. When you sign up, provide your first and last name as well as your Arlington address. On this site, the public has a right to know the sources of information. Anonymous sources may be used in some cases, but when you post to this site, public should know your full name.
The site launched Dec. 10, 2006. As of Sept. 15, 2008, 3257people had registered, allowing them to post to the site. On June 9, 2008, the site was incorporated in Massachusetts. In 2007, the site's blog went live July 8. Google ads were added Aug. 8. The ability for users to post comments was added Sept. 2. A new site template was activated Oct. 27. In Apri 27, the OpenX online-advertising system was installed.
Those who would like to help with the site should inquire. If others volunteer, the photo above could become smaller, and other photos may be added, making the site a better representation of "us."
Credits
Arlington residents who help this site as volunteers are:
Enuma Elish
performs "Metropolis" Thursday, Nov. 20, at 8 p.m. at the Regent
Theater. General admission...
