One of the biggest challenges in watching the US media and attempting to spot their misdeeds and correct their failings, is the embarrassament of riches that we face: the infractions are so many, and many of them are so blatant, that one can easily find himself or herself spending one's time just slightly touching on them and then moving on to the next howler.

The effect is that often, we find ourselves hopping from one complaint to the next, then back to the complaint later, spending perhaps a day or two on a complaint, and then moving on.

A better, parallel strategy would be to have people latch on to an issue and not let go until we see progress. For instance, we have been chronically complaining about the use of the word "retaliation" exclusively to talk about Israeli actions, and we have been complaining about it, on and off, at least since the Intifada started almost two years ago (and people who were media watching before us for longer). Little progress (though some) can be boasted, and yet this is a very important point than needs to be rectified. What would probably have worked better is to have had a team, maybe two or three people, who focused exclusively on fighting that failing: calling AP, Reuters, CNN, etc., time and again, and making the point, following up, calling and writing. If we had a team like that two years ago, chances are that the problem would have disappeared.

Here are some case-issues we need people (one per case would be enough for starters). What we need are people who are patient, dogged in their pursuit, and who understand that great things require an absurd amount of patience! :)

If you would like to be PMWatch's point person on any of the issues listed, or have your own pet issue you would like to push, please let us know.

What does it mean to head a media watch group? Heading an issue group entails doing any or all of the following, and whatever else you think promotes your mission:

• Writing letters/making phone calls to the media outlet
• Developing working relationships with editors and reporters
• Disseminating material about your issue to editors and reporters
• Meeting with editorial boards to talk about the issue
• Supplying op-ed editors with a list of op-ed writers (list willl be provided you)
• Supplying reporters with a list of people willing to interview (list willl be provided you)
• Issue action calls on your issue

How much of my time will this take me? You will do only as much or as little as you want to do. PMWatch is an all-volunteer organization -- it was built and is maintained by "ordinary" people who are getting involved for the love of the cause. You will be in charge of your own schedule and of your own tasks. You will be your own boss!

Will I be helped in my effort? Absolutely -- you will be provided not only with all the material you could need to help you do your job, but you will also be in contact with people who have experience leading media watch groups and they will be more than glad to help you in any way they can.

How do I sign up? Simply fill in the information below and click "Send".