Can we agree right off the top that information has value? We’re guessing it’s unanimous. Sure it does.
So, you just know any day now the big boys in the corner offices of Corporate Media will start paying you for the content you send them. Count on it. Just as soon as hell freezes over, or aliens colonize earth, which ever comes last.
Have you noticed the little scam they’ve got working lately? Here’s how it goes:
1. They invite us to send them our posts/photos/videos.
2. We send them our posts/photos/videos.
3. They publish our posts/photos/videos - assuming we pass their journalistic standards of excellence.
4. They sell ads around our posts/photos/videos.
5. They collect revenue from the ads they sell around our posts/photos/videos.
6. They cut us in on a percentage because we added value to their enterpr … Naw, just kidding. We get stiffed. But it’s fun to be famous on their web sites, huh?
In the words of many a great statesman: “Fuck that.”
Listen folks, the Internet is changing news and it’s got Corporate Media in a bit of a cold sweat because we the non-journalistically trained and mainstream-media unsanctioned people own the new means of media production. Specifically, PCs, PDAs, blogs, cell phones, digital-video cameras, air cards, high-speed modems, etc. etc. And when you own the means of production, you generally command a return on your investment. You follow?
Corporate Media certainly hopes not. They’re hoping that you continue to be nice, passive readers and watchers. And when you do get frisky and practice what has come to be called “citizen journalism,” they prefer that you settle for the thrill of seeing your name in their lights. Remuneration isn’t in the cards. If that’s ok by you, who are we to criticize? We admire your generosity, even if we do think it’s misplaced. On the other hand, if you think it might be a little more equitable to send your content where you stand a chance of getting paid for it, you’ve come to the right place. And we suggest you tell your friends to come here, too.
GoToTell.com runs on a shoestring budget, frankly. But we decided from the start that the right way to go is to pay a little to people who post content of maximum interest and value to our readers. One day, we hope, a little will become a lot more. Either way, we think it’s just a matter of time before people catch on and rightfully demand a cut of the action when revenue happens around their work. As of today, we can say we were among the first to agree and to put our money where our mouth is.
We begin next month with a $200 monthly prize for the best read thread of the month. Start it and you will collect 200 bucks. Keep checking here for details but this is not strictly a numbers game. So, don’t expect to get paid for jumping on your “enter” button 1000 times to simulate page views. Ain’t gonna’ work. But, if you’re good, you stand a good chance of getting paid.