Why is ProPublica collaborating with APM's Public Insight Network?
Since we began our Reporting Network (for details, see the next question) we've heard from thousands of people about their experiences. American Public Media approached us about becoming a newsroom in the Public Insight Network, which offers tools for managing our source networks and enables readers to help other newsrooms partnered with American Public Media. So, we joined forces with APM.
When you respond to requests for stories and information on ProPublica's website that are associated with the Public Insight Network, you are offering up information to ProPublica and other newsrooms within the network. That means you help us and other newsrooms to hit the ground running -- filtering up stories and experiences that tell us where to look and what questions to ask. You can find more details on our about page.
How do I join the Public Insight Network?
If you respond to a request for information on our site that's co-branded Public Insight Network (PIN), you'll become part of the network. Or you can sign up here.
What happens once I join the Public Insight Network?
When ProPublica needs your help making sense of an issue or reporting on the news, we'll send out an e-mail to you. The e-mail will tell you about an issue we're examining and will ask you to share your insights in an attached questionnaire. If the request isn't relevant to you, please forward it on to someone who you think will have expertise on this topic. You should expect an e-mail about once a month.
Other newsrooms like Marketplace, the Center for Public Integrity and Southern California's KPCC are also building the Public Insight Network. On occasion, you may receive requests to help them, too. The full list of Public Insight Network newsrooms can be found here.
Who reads the information I share?
Your responses go to both Amanda Michel, Director of Engagement at ProPublica, and the reporters covering related issues or subjects. You can reach Amanda with any comments, questions and story ideas at [email protected] or call 917-512-0219. After a time, journalists at other Public Insight Network newsrooms will also be able to see your contact information and the insights you have shared.
Will my information be public?
We won't quote or cite you without permission. Your information is privately and securely stored. It is not shared outside a group of journalists who agree to maintain its confidentiality. Here is the privacy policy for the Public Insight Network.
What if I just want to pass on information, and I don't want any future requests?
You should know that ProPublica reporters have many sources who are not members of either ProPublica's Reporting Network or the Public Insight Network. If you have important information you want to share with a ProPublica reporter and don't want to field any future requests, please e-mail Amanda Michel. She'll connect you with a ProPublica reporter.
Why do you ask me about my interests and expertise when I sign up?
We're usually looking for insight and information about a variety of topics, ranging from the Gulf spill claims process to the government's "Making Homes Affordable" program to unemployment insurance. Just a little information about you and your interests makes it possible for us to better direct relevant questions your way. Also, it's important that we know who is responding to our requests.
May I share your questions and call-outs on my blog, or through Facebook/Twitter or local listservs?
Please do!
How do I unsubscribe?
Do you only want to hear from ProPublica? Then unsubscribe from the Public Insight Network, and you're done. If you don't want to hear from either of us, then fill out this form to unsubscribe from PIN and this form to unsubscribe from the Reporting Network.
