Eric Owles, a New York Times journalist writing the Inside Iraq blog, started conducting a new style reporting by asking NYT readers to submit questions for Iraqi citizens. He took a camera and a translator with him to the streets of Baghdad and filmed the replies.
“What would you like to know about Iraqis’ thoughts on the war, the United States and life in Iraq today? We’ll take a video camera and a translator out on the streets of Baghdad to ask people your questions. This isn’t an opinion poll — the answer you get may only reflect one person’s views. Still, that may offer a little insight into how the Iraqi people see things. Submit your questions this week using the comment box below or suggest a topic for future Q&A.”
One week later he posted the result. Owl managed to get excellent, first hand and honest responses to questions about the US army, the elections, the relation between Iraq and Iran etc. from the Iraqis. With a few tools this guy puts down new style, fresh online reporting that is brilliant. It should be replicated.