Asking questions can be a very dangerous pursuit, especially if the questions make someone feel threatened, angry, or ashamed. And when it comes to collections of individuals--like organizations, corporations, armies or governments--the danger increases. Every year, the Committee to Project Journalists issues a report on how many reporters are killed.

But you don't have to be in a conflict zone, or nosing about a nuclear reactor to get into serious trouble. Some fairly dangerous people live in nice neighborhoods just like yours. Some of them might be growing marijuana in their basement, or involved in child porn; one little question from you and they'll likely get ornery.

“No story is worth the risk,” is something you hear professional journalists say all the time—and then they go ahead and risk it anyway. But a full-time journalist has certain protections that a citizen journalist by definition lacks: legal indemnification (the news organization will provide for your legal bills); life insurance; danger pay (when required); bodyguards (ditto); and the ability to intimidate the intimidators.

And there's something else: for journalists who do go into danger zones, most reputable news organizations will provide security training.

A terrific resource on all this is the CPJ. Have a look.

Please do not take unnecessary risks for NowPublic. If you do find yourself wondering about a project, please email us.