So The Nation—whose John Nichols, along with journalism professor Robert McChesney, is writing a book on the future of news—is jumping onto the Whence Journalism bandwagon. Through, in particular, convening a group of experts (whom it refers to, with refreshing honesty, as “media insiders”)—“insiders” including Nichols, Dan Rather, Jane Mayer, Ana Marie Cox, David Schimke, Nick Penniman, and CJR vice chairman Victor Navasky—to share their thoughts each week on “what media will look like in 5, 10, or 15 years—and what will become of investigative journalism.”

Here’s Nichols, sharing his thoughts on the matter:

And for all you “media outsiders”…the magazine is also convening a contest: write a letter-to-the-editor marked “Future of Journalism,” and the magazine will “gather the best responses and publish them at the beginning of 2010.” (CJR addendum: Ten points for every use of the word “engagement,” five for “authenticity,” and two for “community.”) Have fun!