1. Social networks as reporting tools

2. tools Use a people finder Searches the “deep Web”

3. Finding sources Search for key terms on Facebook and Twitter within content of posts Find user profiles and reach out directly Seek out user groups Contact members Post open messages Just ask for insight (think Kevin Bacon)

4. tools Track the conversation over time by searching Tweets Enter your search at Google.com, then click “Updates”

5. Finding stories Follow your users Encourage users to reach out Ask questions (they don’t have to be open-ended) “What issues do you think are important during the next election?” “Did the Council make the right decision with the smoking ordinance.” Seek out expertise “Are there any experts out there who understand how road construction works. Call us: 555-5555.” Grab person-on-the-street quotes “Tell us what you have to say about the Lions’ win. We’ll print a few responses in next week’s story.”

6. tools Monitor keywords and phrases Search at Twitter.com or Facebook.com Use an app such as Hootsuite

7. Give credit Reward your tipsters “Twitter user Jake White informed the Times of the issue on Facebook last week.” “News reader Jack Johnson submitted this photo via Facebook.” Attribute responses from social media “Smith said in a post on his personal Twitter account.” “Doe wrote in a comment on the Tribune’s Facebook page.”

8. Background sources LinkedIn and Facebook often contain employment histories Look for common connections to facilitate difficult conversations Have accounts before you need them

9. Crowdsource content Ask for pictures and video Users can upload content to YouTube and send you links Pictures can be emailed Items can be posted as “fan content” on your Facebook page

10. Monitor trends Stay updated on developing trends Let others do your research for you Find experts before you need them