The best news gathering is done by bloggers who have the following traits:

1. Intense interest in all kinds of people and converse with them.
2. Ability to speak and write good English or any language that suits your blog or website.
3. Being resourceful and persevering when a story is difficult to obtain.
4. A sense of responsibility and punctuality.
5. Willingness to respect confidences, consider requests, and keep promises.
6. Ability to work quickly and accurately.
7. Realization that there are always two sides to every story, and willingness to hold judgment until all facts are known.
8. Braod interests and wide educational background.
9. Keeness of observation and a "nose for news".
- ability to get information that will be of interest to readers.
- abilitly to spot clues which may lead to the discovery of important news.
- ability to recognize the possibility of other news related to the particular information at hand.

10. Extensive reading and enjoyment of good literature.
11. An extensive vocabulary.

Note: If you think you aren't qualified because you lack one or more of the abilities mentioned above, don't loose heart. I tell you, everything can be learned when you are willing and interest. In time, you will be able to acquire those skills. Just be open.


Requirements of News Gathering

º Understand your story before you cover it.
  - Research is important, google it up if you may.
  - Look up previously related stories in earlier issues for background information.
  - Use facts.

Up next... The Structure of the News Story

Source: Principles of Campus Journalism by Elena Q. Tanodra, p.9-11.
*Note: Some words are edited on purpose to suit to the blogging needs.