AllVoices is a media resource that puts the reporting in the user’s hands. Unlike other news websites, that present stories and let users comment, AllVoices does it a little differently. Here, the users can present articles they feel are important or relevant. The community shares with itself and creates a diverse collection of recent news stories and current events. The articles are chosen by the community, for the community. The internet is full of news organizations reporting on and presenting stories. Other outlets pick these up and reproduce them again and again. In the end, the viewer is spoon fed the stories as they are chosen by a few, rather than stories the entire community wants to read. AllVoices was created to put the reporting in the hands of the viewer. Users are invited to share stories they come across, providing a more diverse and relevant collection of today’s news. AllVoices stands out by the way it gets its news. Rather than allowing a few head organizations to choose the stories presented to the community, AllVoices leaves the choices up to the community. Users can actively influence what is read by offering stories they find important rather than what is considered mainstream. The content goes beyond articles to include video, audio and all other available media on the internet. The AllVoices website may be a little intimidating for the new user. The content is divided into columns; however the homepage is full of text and headlines as well as images. A little more space could help add coherence to the site design, but over all it works well considering the quantity of content covered. The AllVoices logo makes an attractive addition to the information-packed website. A new visitor can read through the top stories on AllVoices and browse topics at their leisure without creating an account. To access all available features, new users can connect using their Facebook profile or click the blue “join” link at the top right hand corner of the homepage. A narrow pop up box appears requesting a valid email address, username, password, terms of service agreement and Captcha code entry. New users are also given the option to sign up for the AllVoices Incentive Program. Account creation and feature access is completely free on AllVoices. Users are encouraged to share news stories as well, which is also free. No premium account currently exists with no indication of that changing in the near future. AllVoices has instated an incentive program which gives contributors the opportunity to earn money for their effort. The incentive program is geared towards artists, journalists, writers, bloggers, students, reporters and photographers who wish to reach out to a larger collection of people and establish a following. The incentive program works using milestone requirements. When a user meets a milestone requirement, they can earn real cash. This is determined by the quality and size of their fan base on the website. There are three levels total, including the base level “stringer,” mid-level “reporter,” and high level “anchor.” Users move through the ranks by reporting and promoting their content. AllVoices offers a story that covers just about any topic of interest for its visitors. However, those who have an interest in actually getting involved with reporting can really enjoy what AllVoices has done. Here, the user is the key to providing quality content that the community finds interesting. The incentive program even encourages amateur reporters, journalists and photographers to move to the next level in their hobby or career.

• Submit stories they feel are relevant and important
• Begin building their brand through a following on AllVoices
• Read through user submitted content covering a wide range of topics
• Potentially earn cash by meeting milestones through the incentive program
• Connect an AllVoices account with an existing Facebook profile

http://www.allvoices.com/