It’s not been widely reported, but students at Planet Blacksburg have been contributing their own brand of “citizen journalism” to the news of today’s horrific events at Virginia Tech. No, the site is not so polished as professional news organizations’; and yes, there’s undeniable value to the editing and fact-checking those organizations provide for their coverage–not to mention the expertise contributed by the professional writers and photographers they employ.

But there’s a human face to this tragedy that’s more clearly visible at Planet Blacksburg than at the professional sites I’ve visited, and there’s unique and significant value to the glimpses these Tech students are sharing with the rest of the world. The comments coming in from around that world make that value clear.

Here’s how Planet Blacksburg defines itself:

“Planet Blacksburg is a student-run new media organization striving to provide content to the New River Valley and beyond.”

Tonight, that “beyond” has grown far past what anyone could have expected–or desired, under the circumstances. Our thoughts and prayers are with the students, faculty, and staff at Virginia Tech, and with their families.