Thoughtful analysis of issues surrounding reports from Iran by citizen journalists, at a time when professional journalists are being restricted from reporting. The author identifies some of the problems related to verifying the work of amateurs, to increase the reliability of their reports. She provides factual information and cites a number of perspectives on this issue, from both professional organizations and citizen agencies.

Emma Heald posting at the Editors' Weblog analyzes the role of citizen journalism when mainstream reporters are restricted from access, as currently exists in Iran. While the reporter acknowledges that role, she also notes the pitfalls of what many of us are correlating with mainstream coverage, which it is not, as those at the scene typically want to be anonymous and new media such as iPhones and Twitter can be used as easily to mislead the public so as to hide the truth on the ground.

Does a good job showing the growing tribulations in the new media age,