Source of Sources Media Queries
Detailed Description
Source of Sources is a lightweight but impactful journalist-query newsletter launched by PR veteran Peter Shankman (founder of Help a Reporter Out—HARO). It delivers daily emails containing categorized media requests from credible outlets like HuffPost, Business Traveller, and GoBankingRates, giving publicists, brand founders, and experts direct access to pitch-ready journalist opportunities.
Built on a no-frills model, Source of Sources trades enterprise dashboards for immediacy, humor, and personality. It emphasizes fast access to real queries without login walls, subscriptions, or pay-to-play barriers. Unlike larger PR platforms, Source of Sources operates via a simple email signup and curated content approach—positioning itself as a community-powered alternative to HARO, Qwoted, and Connectively.
The platform’s lean design and Shankman's direct curation make it attractive to time-pressed PR pros and founders looking for authenticity and momentum in their media outreach.
Key Features
- Daily Media Queries: Delivered via email, categorized by industry (e.g., Beauty, Business, Biotech, General).
- Human Curation: All queries are manually selected and lightly contextualized with Shankman's commentary and humor.
- No Logins or Paywalls: Free access; no platform to manage, just your inbox.
- Founder-Led Community: Run by Peter Shankman, fostering trust and engagement through a personal tone.
- High-Velocity Relevance: Focused on breaking stories, seasonal angles, and journalists working on deadline.
- Community-Led Leads: Some sources may be community-submitted tips or freelance opportunities.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
- Fast, frictionless access to journalist queries.
- Highly relatable and entertaining tone.
- Completely free to access and use.
- Great for startups, solo founders, and lean PR teams.
- Avoids complex dashboards or sales pitches.
❌ Cons:
- No built-in analytics or tracking.
- Lacks a media contact database or CRM tools.
- No filtering or search capability—daily email only.
- Scalability and query volume can vary.
- No way to manage pitching history or campaign strategy inside the platform.
Pricing Information
- Cost: Free
- Delivery Method: Email subscription (daily)
User Feedback
- G2, Trustpilot, Clutch: Not listed—this is a grassroots project with community-driven growth.
- Social Buzz: Highly engaged email community; Shankman’s personal brand creates viral stickiness.
Common Themes:
- Loved for its tone and speed.
- Valued as a HARO alternative post-Ziff Davis acquisition.
- Frustration from those wanting more filters or tech features.
➡️ Summary
Source of Sources offers a stripped-down, fast, and founder-led approach to earning press. It’s ideal for solo founders, indie marketers, and PR pros who want daily journalist leads without bloated features or paywalls. It isn’t built for large teams or analytics-heavy workflows, but its simplicity and voice-driven model make it one of the most human and usable media-opportunity tools available today.
