We as users simply received the news. At the most, we send a letter to the editor. All this is changing. People who are connected have started reporting what they are witness to — scams, accidents, corruption, civic apathy or philanthropy. This is horizontal communication and a power shift. There is a network of micro-reports on social sites like YouTube and Facebook. Their views are being welcomed by the mainstream press. Journalists write to be read. They require an audience. As mainstream press becomes receptive to citizen journalists, there will be more space to marginal voices and alternative viewpoints. Mainstream press may use citizen journalists to access news from those parts where the organisation may not commit resources. It is inexpensive too. It reports unfettered by institutional pressures and biases. It may lack efficiency and finesse but it has both conscience and compassion.