Last week, I described our approach to open source software in the News Challenge. We support open source and strongly encourage applicants in the contest to use it.

Similarly, we think ideas are strengthened, and society most benefits, when they’re shared and discussed publicly. As such, we’ve set the default for the Challenge to public: you post an idea on the News Challenge Tumblr. You, and your networks, can promote it. Others can critique it, suggest collaborators or point you to similar ideas. In the future we hope that the News Challenges will be seen more as a platform for the exchange of ideas than as a source of funds. Someone recently mentioned to me that her company is eager to enter, but that they were apprehensive about possible negative reactions to a public proposal. We realize, however, that some (mostly organizations, but some individuals, too) do not want to share their ideas in public. That’s why we do allow you to skirt the public Tumblr should you choose. To keep your idea between yourself and us, email your answers to the 7 questions to us at [email protected]. We will evaluate your application just as we will the other ones, albeit without the benefit of public discussion. (You may want to use this News Challenge collaborative editor from Charlie DeTar to compose and copy your entry.) When you email us, please:

1. Write the title of your project and your name in the subject line.
2. Copy and paste the answers to the application form into the body of your email.
3. Send your email to [email protected]

By John Bracken, director journalism/media innovation at Knight Foundation

Choose how to get news and tips about applying for the Knight News Challenge:

•   Follow us on Twitter #newschallenge

•   Like us on Facebook

•   Join us on Google+

Previously: 

Knight News Challenge on Networks opens: Your shot at a share of $5 million Knight News Challenge Networks: Open is better 7 questions on the new Knight News Challenge application Not just open source: the four funding options for 2012 Knight News Challenge Announcing the Knight News Challenge: Networks