Yesterday, I was writing about a fire that destroyed a building in a city 35 miles from the neighborhood I typically cover. There were family and business connections -- the store that burned is owned by the mother of a local restaurateur -- so I was gathering information and needed a photo.

There is a good community of neighborhood bloggers here in Seattle so I'm accustomed to reaching out to other news providers when I need a hand. Yesterday, I gave collaboration a try.

First, for background, I asked Tacoma hyperlocal news and info site Exit 133 for a photo of the store as it was before the fire. I also asked Tacoma's daily newspaper for permission to use a photo from the day after showing the fire's aftermath. I didn't even ask for a money shot of the fierce battle to control the flames.

Here's what I heard back from the Tacoma News Tribune:

**** has forwarded your request to The News Tribune Library which handles republications. We do not grant permission for other web sites to post our images on their sites.
Sincerely,
**** / The News Tribune Library

And here is what I heard back in a phone call from Exit 133 operator Derek Young: Sure. Please make sure to credit the photographer and Exit 133. I also tipped him to some of the beyond-Tacoma implications of the stories. It was a good trade.

Which reply makes the most sense in the collaborative future of local journalism?