Chak's Short Take: The Citizen-based App that Reports on What's Going On

A few months ago, I tried an app that does not require any profession with any news-gathering organization, but reports on what's going on with a simple app. That app is known as Fresco News, where users can submit photos and videos, and then get paid. Yes - that is true.

A local news partner that sees any interesting item can grab a video from a user for a small fee - more if the content is on video. That fee is actually paid to the user, not Fresco News themselves. Whether the user is on assignment or not, and if the video does catch the attention of anyone, I can really get something out of the video. 

There is a caveat, though. Any user that does make significantly more cash will have to file an IRS 1099 form. On a more positive note, this is a great app for those that is interested in telling their stories (like me personally), and I don't have to be a specific major (e.g. English) to do so. 

I will still be testing out the Fresco News app, and will eventually make a decision, hoping that I'll be doing the Gilroy Garlic Festival. I primarily focus on Santa Clara County, and knows many of the street names in Silicon Valley unlike most Fresco News users. My favorite part about the app is that I can join in the conversation on social media and talk about the events, whether it's a live video or a still image for Fresco News users. However, keep in mind that I am very lenient on how I pronounce unfamiliar words - I do practice saying those words daily several times (including holidays). 

In terms of Santa Clara County, there are some of the words that I think many Fresco News users tend to pronounce incorrectly, so I hope that many users will know of what I may pronounce at any time. Below are a few examples that I often hear from people not pronouncing words correctly. Not all words are listed, but below are what I may say when Fresco News wants to hear the words during a requested report. 

Most common mispronounced words to my take:

San Martin

Tamien

Penetencia Creek

Chynoweth

Ohlone 

Hostetter 

Hellyer 

Other words that also may be mispronounced:

Almaden

Alum Rock

Pacheco Pass

Milpitas 

San Tomas

Montague

Pomeroy 

Fresco News users that hears these words might want to take note. From time to time, I'll be posting my reflections about the app from the stories I uploaded. Let's hope that Fresco News is probably ready for more. There will be more in store soon... hopefully...

Original Work: Kyle Chak

E-mail: chak595301@gmail.com

Twitter: @KyleSChak

BONUS: The following is a YouTube video that I originally uploaded to Fresco News exclusively, which showed a couple of arrests made at a rally that ended up to be more than satisfactory...