What Associated Content Saw at the DNC

This post is courtesy of News Director Tim S. and AC's Content team.

To paraphrase real estate's mantra: citizen journalism is all about local, local, local.

That's what AC saw at the Democratic National Convention last week in Denver - local writers localizing a national event. The DNC included speeches, rallies, protests, caucus meetings, art shows and more. And because many of these events were open to the public (Denver Mint levitation, anyone?) it's a great vehicle to show how CPs can shine.

Take, for example, the video reporting efforts of Dave Maddox, a Denver resident. From protests to outdoor theater, Dave caught firsthand on video what many of us could only see on the evening news.

Then there's Connie Wilson, AC's go-to CP for national politics reporting. Flying in on her own dime from Chicago, Connie covered much of the on-the-floor action at the Pepsi Center and Invesco Field. Connie is aggressive and willing to talk to anyone - and photograph them, too. Just ask the Kennedys.

Those are just a couple of examples. Many CPS, from convention aficonados to political novices, contributed their experiences.

AC's efforts last week also included camping out at Google's Big Tent (in the heart of lower downtown, just a few blocks from the main convention site) to spread the word about AC. In pairs on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, AC Content Managers talked to bloggers and other media types about what AC does - we publish what's important to you, get you exposure and pay you along the way.

Here are some numbers from AC's efforts at the DNC:

• 50 first-person, original reporting stories
• 6 photography slide shows
• 7 video stories

But the numbers weren't even half the story. Most importantly, the DNC allowed AC to showcase what it can provide for readers and how it can improve the chops of citizen reporters.

We hope to have similar success this week at the RNC in Minneapolis-St. Paul. If you live in the area or know folks interested in writing about their experiences, check out your Calls for Content assignments or shoot us an email at news@associatedcontent.com.

Updated: New numbers for our DNC coverage just in on 9/4

• 50 first-person, original reporting stories
• 9 photography slide shows
• 10 video stories

RNC Coverage on Associated Content

It's a new week with a new political conference and that means more insightful and breaking coverage of the events on Associated Content. Highlights from Denver and the DNC are coming to the blog tomorrow courtesy of our Content team, but I'd like to take tonight to direct your attention to our Republican National Convention-related content.

• Sarah Palin's VP nomination and the ensuing media frenzy (which seems unlikely to die down anytime soon) has gotten the treatment from our CPs as you can see here.
• Ron Paul's rally in Minneapolis was covered by two of our intrepid writers, Connie Wilson here and Sylvia Cochran here.
• Of course, Hurricanes Gustav and Hannah have revived memories of Katrina's tragedies and receive their due treatment from our CPs here.

Keep up the good work!

Coverage of the DNC and RNC on Associated Content

The political conventions have begun! Associated Content's CPs are providing one-of-a kind coverage of the Democratic and Republican National Conventions by publishing loads of original text, video, audio, and slide shows. Here's what you can expect in the next two weeks:

• First-person reporting from the Convention floor.
• Original reporting, video, and photos from rallies, protests, parties, and more.
• Top-notch analysis from Content Producers across the globe.
• Inside sneak peeks from convention delegates.

Check this page daily for new additions.

Just this afternoon, a few of our Denver staffers went down to check out the new media action at Google's Big Tent and spread the world about AC. They even met a few CPs! View the photos here. If you are interested in participating in AC's coverage of these historic gatherings, check your Calls for Content. There are a variety of writing and reporting options available.