Most of the reporting for this article was done on-line. Commercial services like CompuServe or The Well, not to mention thousands of free private services, allow reporters to tap the worldwide network of people who gather on-line to exchange information, argue, or simply chat. Broadhurst's experience is typical. For beginners the mass-market commercial services are a good way to start. Company attitudes toward reporters vary.
Private boards offer additional riches.
Often connected by voluntary networks that feed messages across the United States and Canada, and to all of Europe and Asia, private boards are run by individuals and organizations. Phone numbers can be found through local computer shops and clubs, and are posted on almost every commercial and private board. Journalists are free to join the fray. This board attracts a variety of callers, many of whom are writers. Second, always identify yourself as a reporter.