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Yesterday we introduced a new experiment on Current.com called Developing Stories. As expected, there has been some confusion around the concept, but we’re working to clear things up as we go, after all it’s an experiment. Ed. Note — If you’ve already read our intro post, please re-read it as it’s been updated with information about pitching stories for consideration as Developing Stories. Thanks!

Our first ever Developing Story came from current89 titled, “House Dems set for health care vote: AARP to endorse bill.”

This morning, we have our first scoop. WakeUpPeople posted a story titled, “Bachmann calls on protestors to use scare tactics against Congress.” This was considered a scoop because it’s a new development in the health care reform bill story, so current89’s story has been removed from featuring on the Current.com homepage, removed from the Current Developing Stories group, and placed in the Developing Stories Archives. Also note, both of these stories have been connected via links in their comments.

It will be interesting to see how this develops going forward. Kudos to both current89 and WakeUpPeople for getting Developing Stories off and running!

Got a scoop? Want to suggest a story for development? Here’s how!

If you want to get your story on our radar for consideration, please tag it with “Current Developing Stories” when you submit to Current.com. PLEASE NOTE: Tagging is not the same as adding to a group. The “Current Developing Stories” is a CLOSED group managed by the editors, so you will not be able to add stories there. Tagging, however, will allow you to be seen by our editors we will monitor that tag for potential stories to develop.

Hello my lovely Current community, feliz Friday! In case you didn’t check it our last featured community member, we had the super awesome Sam_the_Wizer, so once you’re done check out this week’s, go have a little look see. This week we have (drum roll please) …WakeUpPeople! You’ve probably bumped into this AMAZING community member on Current before, but if you haven’t, whoo boy, you’re in for a treat! There are a ton of great items from on his profile, I was really interested in the “New data: Mega-quake could strike near Seattle” (as Seattle is near and dear to me). Ok, before any Seattlites freak out and go read that item, make sure you check out his interview below, WAY more important.

Q: How did you find out about Current? What made you a fan?

A: I found out about current while researching Al Gore.  I read his book “The Assault on Reason,” and it really reinforced what I was already thinking about mainstream media and the need for internet forum discussion.  That’s one of the reasons that I chose my username.  People need to unplug from the hypnotic television sets and wake up to the realities of our world.

Q: Where do you look for stories to add to Current?

A: I look everywhere for articles to post.  I have certain sites that I favor, but what I love about Current is that in the middle of debates with other users, I think of something else to research.  A lot of times I post articles that answer my own questions, because I figure I’m not the only one with the question.  Google is an amazing tool for fact finding missions, although sourcewatch.org is equally important in finding the truth.

Q: You post a variety of stories (which is awesome!), but is there something in particular that you’re really passionate about?

A: Right now, I’m extremely passionate about health care reform.  The ovewhelming misinformation/disinformation campaign is driving me crazy and keeping me very busy as of late.  This also compounds my mistrust for the mainstream media that intentionally misrepresents the issues.  One of my favorite quotes is from Abraham Lincoln: “I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts.”  I am also very passionate about climate change, but political will is unfortunately not up to the tremendous challenge and responsibility at this time.  I often wish that CO2 was neon orange.  I think people would be less likely to ignore it if they could see it… it’s just human nature.

Q: If you could have one Superhero power, what would it be and why?

A: If I could have a superhero power I think I would choose the power to afflict others with the burden of empathy and compassion.  It might sound lame, but I wish I could do that on a daily basis, so there it is.

I know, I know, you can thank me (ok fine, thank WakeUpPeople later, now go read about that crazy potential earthquake and everything else!

-Danielle