How to Create a Reporting Posse

So you aren't getting the help you want on a topic page?

As my old homie Ghandi would say: "Be the change that you want to see."

This is punk rock journalism. There are no rules. If you don't have a big enough team to tackle a subject, go out and get that team!

All these topics are covered by bloggers all over the world. Well, reach out and tap them on the shoulder. Let them know they can donate old blog posts -- or invite their own readers to come and help too. Nothing is out of our control.

I personally send a few dozen emails a day to bloggers that I read, inviting them to join topics. You can too. It takes 10 minutes and hey, it's an excuse to write to that blogger you've always had a crush on.

Just let them know what Assignment Zero is about (we are covering crowdsourcing), what topic they might find interesting (hey, I know you like photos, you should check out Crowdsourced Photos), how easy it is to join (just register and join a team -- after that you can donate just 10 minutes or 10 hours, it's up to you), and let them know how if we are able to tap into the network effect of the blogosphere, everyone wins (content belongs to all) and we could change journalism in the process).

What do you have to lose (.005 megabites of your email account).

What do you have to gain: A new friend, colleague, and the chance to get published in Wired News.

You can even invite top-knotch bloggers. Maybe they'd like to be part of a topic's editorial team?