Professionalism in volunteer blogs matters
Two computer scientists have suggested the formalization of citizen journalism for coordinating responses to natural and man-made emergencies. “Volunteer blogs” have already been operated in emergencies including the damage assess of 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina .
On Katrina occurring, Google and a network of volunteer scientists and other civilians mapped the zone using Web tools such as Google Earth and Maps .
Currently, Flu Wiki is well know as a role model of the volunteer blog. Flu Wiki was developed to show ongoing governmental response and surveillance for the international outbreak of avian flu.
A potential challenge of operating volunteer blog is at losing its consistency with the non-obligative nature.
"It’s hard to keep up virtual interest in reporting over the long periods of time required. Volunteers can keep their spirits and energy levels high for a month, but not for three years,” says Jishnu Das, a World Bank official, and a leader of RisePak.
Professionalism matters in supporting central government who should provide balanced allocation of relief in a timely manner. Moreover, when it comes to pandemic disease, keeping constant network depends on the educated citizens in underdeveloped countries.
On Katrina occurring, Google and a network of volunteer scientists and other civilians mapped the zone using Web tools such as Google Earth and Maps .
Currently, Flu Wiki is well know as a role model of the volunteer blog. Flu Wiki was developed to show ongoing governmental response and surveillance for the international outbreak of avian flu.
A potential challenge of operating volunteer blog is at losing its consistency with the non-obligative nature.
"It’s hard to keep up virtual interest in reporting over the long periods of time required. Volunteers can keep their spirits and energy levels high for a month, but not for three years,” says Jishnu Das, a World Bank official, and a leader of RisePak.
Professionalism matters in supporting central government who should provide balanced allocation of relief in a timely manner. Moreover, when it comes to pandemic disease, keeping constant network depends on the educated citizens in underdeveloped countries.
posted by choi at 11:17 AM
2 Comments:
It is hard, but it also depends on the nature of the threat. after a year and a half, I am not yet weary, and our volunteers are continuing to go at it.
It's also important to get new blood, new volunteers, now and again.
DemFromCT
Editor
Flu Wiki
Flu Wiki seems like a great example of citizen journalism. Even if most people do lose interest after a few months, there are still those that will stay on and continue to monitor the situation.
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