Common Ground Story Kit
A field guide for making a digital story.
Find it. Record it. Shape it. Keep control.
NOTICE / RECORD / SHAPE / CHOOSE01 / Find it
Start with one person, place, object, memory, sound, photograph or question.
Notice one small detailAsk what changedAsk what might disappear
02 / Record it
Your phone is enough to begin.
Move closer to the soundHold shots stillKeep the original files
03 / Ask permission
Work out what you have the right to share before polishing it.
Check identifiable peopleCheck old photos, music and documentsSeparate making from publishing
04 / Shape it
Choose the form that carries the story best.
ListenReadWatchLookMix only when it adds something
05 / Save it
Keep originals, working files and final files separate.
OriginalsWorkingFinal + access assets
06 / Access it
Captions, transcripts and image descriptions are part of the work.
CaptionsTranscriptsReadable textImage descriptions
07 / Use tools responsibly
Assistance can help with your material without becoming the author.
Check every transcriptDo not invent testimonyDo not upload material without permission
A simple rule
Human story first.
Tools may help with transcripts, subtitles, organisation or translation. They should not invent lived experience or make publication decisions.
Try it
Start with one thing you keep noticing.
This page is designed to print cleanly as a simple field reference.