Community news site Spot.us, which received attention for its community-funded journalism site, in which freelancers pitch stories and the public funds the stories they want, is turning to advertising for an additional revenue stream, paidContent reported yesterday.

However, as with its previous funding methods, this is a different kind of advertising, in which visitors who fill out advertisers' surveys get credits they can apply to funding a story, called "community centered advertising." The non-profit said visitor support for its stories has quadrupled since Spot.Us launched the ad system a month ago. Its current sponsor is Mortgage Revolution.
To earn credits, users must log in or register at Spot.Us, click on the "Earn Credits" button in the header, and then take a three question survey. After taking the survey, users have the option of leaving their e-mail address for more information, and then submit the survey. Users can then browse pitches on Spot.Us and click "Apply Credits," when they see a story they'd like to see reported.

On its blog, Spot.Us states:

"Normally a news organization gets advertising dollars and the editor decides where the money goes. That's not the case here at Spot.Us. We let the community decide. But we do have to thank our sponsors "Mortgage Revolution." They are working to change the image of mortgage professionals - and that's why they are giving you the chance to control your local media through Spot.Us. Mortgage Revolution has no say in where the money goes - it goes through you! So please join me in thanking Mortgage Revolution for the chance to experiment with "community centered advertising." Let's also wish them lots of luck in stirring a grassroots movement in the mortgage industry that upholds higher standards for transparency in lending and ethical business conduct. GO MORTGAGE REVOLUTION!"