Crowd Sourcing is one of the things that make the NowPublic party worth coming to. It’s not, however, without responsibility: if you abuse the privilege, you’re not going to be invited back. Use your powers responsibly, and in moderation. If you use the Flickr request tool without consideration, you run the risk of freaking out Flickr users when you bombard them with requests or ask for inappropriate images. You don’t want to be That Guy…trust us. If you are, we’ll hear about it and your crowd sourcing privileges will be suspended. To keep from getting voted out of the party

here are a few tips:

Use Your Noggin

Asking a total stranger for permission to use their images requires sensitivity. People can be very protective about their photos and videos – even if they have posted them in public places, like Flickr and YouTube. The line between private and public is often skewed when it comes to the internet, so just remember…

Don’t be a jerk

The way you ask will make a big difference in the way your invitation is received. Before making a request, you have to actually imagine what the combination of text and image will look like; it is possible to be insulting or crass without intending to be. We also recommend you avoid the all-too-common ICS (Inebriated Crowd Source): you’re likely to request a picture you’ll regret later.

We’re kidding. Sort of. But, seriously…

For real, don’t be a jerk

Ask yourself the following questions: Is the photo you’re requesting appropriate for the content of the story in question? Is there a clear relationship between the story and the photo in terms of date, subject, and location? Is there evidence that the photographer is actually interested in your subject matter? Are you respecting the conventions of the image-sharing site you are visiting?