Alexis Madrigal at Wired News, an honorary beat blogger (not an empty title, we really are thinking about starting an affiliate program and Alexis has always been at the top of that list if we do), is starting his own network today.

Using three simple tools: Twitter, a shared Google Reader and Facebook.

"The idea is that if you can see what blog posts I’m sharing or
Twitters I’m twittering, you’ll be able to chime in with suggestions,
new ideas, and story angles that will help deliver the kind of news
you’re interested in reading.

• My Twitter Account:
  I’m making a good faith attempt to twitter each story and blog post
  when I start working on it. Follow me to receive 140 characters or less
  on the moment’s business.
• My Google Reader Shared Items:
  Here’s where you can see what blogs I’m drawing from. Let me know if
  you want to get added to my blogroll. If you see a shared item that you
  like, don’t hesitate to write or Twitter. There’s an RSS feed too.

Fledgling Wired Science Facebook Page:
We haven’t really launched our page yet, but we’ve got a little
something up. Come become a collaborator and fan, or at least befriend
us."

It sounds like he is going about it in the right way – starting small and simple. His call for sources allows people to join whatever means of communication suits them best. They are already there, so it’s not a hassle for them (go where the people are). In the end, it doesn’t matter what technology you use – it’s about how you use it to motivate and engage people. Good luck to Alexis!!!!!

We will be following Alexis and learning from/with him.