4 ms·

Hi Liedra. I DEFINITELY take your feedback as it really is a perspective I didn't think about. As Marc mentioned the intent isn't/wasn't to exploit anyone for

by jag0 16y ago

Hi Liedra. I DEFINITELY take your feedback as it really is a perspective I didn't think about. As Marc mentioned the intent isn't/wasn't to exploit anyone for entertainment purposes. What initially wanted to do was raise people's awareness that homeless people aren't just all 'bums'. The best way to do this seemed to me to be to let them tell their story. I agree I could do a transcript version of their story but I feel like: 1. That would be far less engaging, and as a result far fewer people would actually see their story (less people read nowadays that you think) 2. The chances that people would SEE, understand and lend a helping hand would be less. Think about it, would Ted Williams have ended up getting that HUGE break if his interview had just been a transcript? I feel like video is a much more emotional medium and as such would engage viewers far more. However, the idea kind of transformed and I figured it would be better to interview ANYONE that people would find interesting and make them the offer. So by far most of the interviews will be people that are 'well off' that the public finds interesting. Thanks for the links btw.. very useful stuff that I hadn't stumbled across before!

liedra 16y ago
Well, if you want to let them tell their story, that's great! But perhaps keep the cash incentive out of it. Perhaps offer something else, like a meal or a cup of coffee or something tangible they can use. Also, establish a really really interactive informed consent policy. Make sure they really understand what you're going to do with their information and story. A standard form probably won't be good enough, since you have to be particularly cautious when it comes to potential for coercion. The problem with the Ted Williams story is that although he got the big breaks, the story didn't stop with the happy ending, and his life spiralled back down again. He went into rehab but checked himself out after only 12 days. I'm not saying that homeless people are not able to be helped, but that it takes a much more structured support system than a video going "viral", and there are lots of good people working to help homeless people back into work, building up their skills, etc. I'd recommend, if you still want to concentrate on homeless people, to go volunteer/work with a charitable organisation for a while and get out amongst the people so you can get a bit more of a perspective on things. To be honest though, I think the more general approach to interviews is a much better idea. I'm always happy to chat about ethics, since it's something I am quite passionate about (especially research ethics, vulnerable populations, and informed consent - so you really hit all the targets for me with this project! heh) :)
- jag0 16y ago
  I actually Like that option, of giving them something 'useful' for now as opposed to cash. Other people like CEOs, entertainers etc, I'll give the cash option to which I'll then funnel to a reputable charity. There are a couple other ideas I had toying around in my head, but after reading the articles you linked and what you're showing me I think I'll tread really carefully and see how it works out. :) Will DEFINITELY be in touch with you!

by jag0 16y ago

liedra 16y ago

Well, if you want to let them tell their story, that's great! But perhaps keep the cash incentive out of it. Perhaps offer something else, like a meal or a cup of coffee or something tangible they can use. Also, establish a really really interactive informed consent policy. Make sure they really understand what you're going to do with their information and story. A standard form probably won't be good enough, since you have to be particularly cautious when it comes to potential for coercion. The problem with the Ted Williams story is that although he got the big breaks, the story didn't stop with the happy ending, and his life spiralled back down again. He went into rehab but checked himself out after only 12 days. I'm not saying that homeless people are not able to be helped, but that it takes a much more structured support system than a video going "viral", and there are lots of good people working to help homeless people back into work, building up their skills, etc. I'd recommend, if you still want to concentrate on homeless people, to go volunteer/work with a charitable organisation for a while and get out amongst the people so you can get a bit more of a perspective on things. To be honest though, I think the more general approach to interviews is a much better idea. I'm always happy to chat about ethics, since it's something I am quite passionate about (especially research ethics, vulnerable populations, and informed consent - so you really hit all the targets for me with this project! heh) :)

jag0 16y ago
I actually Like that option, of giving them something 'useful' for now as opposed to cash. Other people like CEOs, entertainers etc, I'll give the cash option to which I'll then funnel to a reputable charity. There are a couple other ideas I had toying around in my head, but after reading the articles you linked and what you're showing me I think I'll tread really carefully and see how it works out. :) Will DEFINITELY be in touch with you!