Submitting News

Citizen journalism is the heart of Thamizhi. This guide explains how to submit your own news stories and get them published.

Why Submit News?

Your local knowledge is invaluable:

• You see what others miss: Local events often don’t make mainstream news
• You understand context: Community members know the real story
• You can verify claims: First-hand experience matters
• You hold power accountable: Citizen reporting keeps institutions honest

Before You Submit

What Makes a Good Submission?

1. Factual accuracy: Verify what you’re reporting
2. Clear evidence: Photos, documents, or witnesses help
3. Relevant context: Explain why this matters
4. Fair representation: Include multiple perspectives when possible
5. Community impact: Show how this affects people

What Not to Submit?

• Rumors without evidence: Speculation harms credibility
• Personal attacks: Focus on issues, not individuals
• Duplicate stories: Check if similar news is already covered
• Spam or promotion: This isn’t an advertising platform

The Submission Process

Step 1: Start a New Submission

• Click “Submit News” in the app
• Choose your submission type:
  • Breaking News: Time-sensitive events
  • Investigative: In-depth analysis
  • Community Issue: Local concerns
  • Government Report: Official announcements

Step 2: Write Your Story

• Headline: Clear, descriptive title
• Summary: Brief overview (2-3 sentences)
• Full Story: Detailed report with facts and context
• Location: Where this happened
• Category: Topic classification
• Tags: Keywords for searchability

Step 3: Add Evidence

• Photos: Visual proof (max 5 images)
• Documents: Official records, screenshots
• Videos: Relevant footage (max 2 minutes)
• Links: Supporting sources
• Witnesses: Contact information (optional, kept private)

Step 4: Review and Submit

• Preview your submission
• Check for accuracy and completeness
• Agree to community guidelines
• Submit for verification

After Submission

Verification Journey

Your submission goes through multiple verification layers:

1. AI Pre-screening (Automatic)

   • Content analysis for accuracy
   • Duplicate detection
   • Basic fact-checking

2. Community Review (24-48 hours)

   • Other users review your submission
   • They can ask questions or request clarification
   • Community votes on accuracy

3. Expert Validation (If needed)

   • Subject matter experts review complex stories
   • Additional verification for sensitive topics

Tracking Your Submission

• Dashboard: View all your submissions
• Status updates: Real-time verification progress
• Feedback: Comments and suggestions from reviewers
• Reputation impact: How your submission affects your trust score

Tips for Success

Build Credibility

• Start small: Begin with straightforward local news
• Be consistent: Regular submissions build reputation
• Respond to feedback: Address questions promptly
• Correct errors: Admit mistakes quickly

Improve Quality

• Use templates: Follow our story structure
• Add context: Explain background and significance
• Include diverse voices: Quote multiple sources
• Provide updates: Follow up on developing stories

Engage Community

• Respond to comments: Build relationships with readers
• Collaborate: Work with other citizen journalists
• Share expertise: Help verify others’ submissions
• Mentor newcomers: Guide new contributors

Common Questions

Q: How long does verification take? A: Typically 24-72 hours depending on complexity and community engagement.

Q: Can I edit my submission after submitting? A: Yes, you can update based on feedback, but major changes require re-verification.

Q: What if my submission is rejected? A: You’ll receive detailed feedback. Revise and resubmit with improvements.

Q: How do I build reputation? A: Consistently accurate submissions and helpful community engagement build trust over time.

Next Steps

• Learn about Verification Layers to understand the process
• Explore Reputation System to see how trust is measured
• Read Community Guidelines for detailed rules