Comments on: Why I’ve launched allaboutthestory.com #1

By: Kenton Bird

Kenton Bird — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 23:41:44 +0000

Dear Julie, I’m a former newspaper reporter and editor from Idaho, USA. I’m on sabbatical (study leave) from the University of Idaho, spending the next five months at the University of Waikato. Alistair Swale, the COD of Screen and Media Studies, suggested I get in touch with you. Would you have time for coffee in the next few weeks to compare notes on NZ journalism? (My master’s degree is from Cardiff Univ, so I’m somewhat familiar with the British Press, too). E-mail is the best way to reach me. Thanks.

By: Websam

Websam — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:54:17 +0000

I hope it goes really well for you. It seems like a really good idea, and like you said who wants to run 10 niche blogs.

I think I will sign up soon, I’m not a journalist, but I think I can write an article, so will see how it goes.

By: Kalena

Kalena — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 04:32:07 +0000

Hi Julie

I’m already a member of All About the Story and really love the concept. I’ve always thought that a business headed for success is one that you wish you’d thought of yourself so kudos!

I promise to be more active on the site in 2010 and add all my articles as I write them. As for your points raised, I think:

1) 20% seems fair to me, assuming the site brings regular biz to authors.

2) Copyright is not my bag, but I think deciding on and sticking with a Creative Commons license for all authors would work best.

3) I think author should set the price range and tweak it based on demand/offers.

4) I think there should probably be a high maximum word count set and authors submit articles at any count provided it doesn’t exceed this. Publishers should be able to search for articles based on word count ranges, esp if they are in a hurry to fill space.

5) To alert publishers / authors, I suggest using Twitter / FB etc or maybe daily email alerts like the HARO (Help a Reporter) service: http://twitter.com/helpareporter

6) Might be too early in the site’s life for video articles? Maybe when it’s built more of a following.

7) As the owner of a business operating in NZ but targeting US, AU and other countries, I would definitely price the articles in USD or at least provide the option. Promoting NZD on the site will regionalize the site too much and (unfairly I know) lose the site business from other countries. Why not use 2Checkout or a similar service where payment can be made in the payee’s own currency?

Best of luck with it and happy holidays!