This document provides guidance for reporters on how to use online communities in journalism. It defines an online community as a group joined by a common interest that exchanges information online. The document then lists five ways reporters can use online communities: 1) Develop sources and beats by engaging with community members, 2) Engage with readers through crowdsourcing, 3) Create valuable community content, 4) Moderate comments to reduce trolls, and 5) Generate advertising revenue from the captive community audience. Using online communities allows reporters to enrich their reporting, engage audiences, and monetize content.

1. Banish the trolls Five ways reporters can use online communities.

2. What is a community? “Communities are bodies of people loosely joined together by a common interest that exchange information using web tools.” – Jeremiah Owyang, web strategy guru Online space/platform created to facilitate interaction of community members (in this case, our readers). Common platforms: Facebook, LinkedIn Content is targeted to interests of the group. Conversation revolves around the common interest. Group often has a collaborative project or a goal. Key for newspapers: Members contribute most of the content.

3. www.columbian.com/innovate is a community for entrepreneurs.

4. What is Innovate Clark County? A page on www.columbian.combuilt in partnership with PubTalk, a bimonthly networking event. An online gathering place for local entrepreneurs, between PubTalk events. A local resource for those starting and building companies in Clark County. A way for The Columbian to increase site participation from the business community.

5. Five ways you can use online communities in journalism (It’s a reporting tool and a content platform!)

6. 1) Develop your beat Create a resource where many of the people you need to talk to are already in one place. Like an online focus group or advisory panel. Build trust and credibility by actively listening and responding with questions and comments. The most engaged community members become valuable sources.

7. 2) Engage with your readers. A crowdsourcing tool to ask community members: What should I write about next? What details am I missing? Who should I talk to? Creates transparency in reporting.

8. 3) Create valuable content. Builds a repository of local information for you and your community. Readers can contribute their own content, bring in new ideas. Adjust content based on reader interest. Encourages reader loyalty.

9. 4) Banish the trolls. Increase the quality of comments. Community members are encouraged to use their real names. Contributions further the group’s goals. Members take ownership over content and police unproductive comments.

11. InnovateCC is attractive to service providers such as attorneys and business consultants who want to reach startups and other small businesses.

12. A host of metrics are available on site traffic, engagement, etc. as a basis for ad sales.

13. May also provide a target for subscription-based services.