The India tragedy heads a list of “Top 10 Moments In User-Generated News” determined by editors at the Vancouver-based startup.

“2008 not only proved the concept of user-generated news, but also tipped the scales,” said NowPublic co-founder and chief executive Leonard Brody.

“The pillars of mainstream media have all made significant efforts to embrace the new model.”

The validation of citizen journalism culminated last week when Pulitzer Prize organizers added an “Internet-only” news category for what is considered the most prestigious honor for reporters.

“In today’s highly wired and mobile world, everyone has a digital soapbox,” said NowPublic global news director Rachel Nixon.

“No longer the preserve of a few, crowd-powered media formats began to be widely used by anyone wanting to get their message out and connect.”

NowPublic’s Top 10 list includes reporting on natural disasters worldwide and crisis in Africa, as well as the effect of an online posting falsely reporting that Apple’s iconic chief executive Steve Jobs had a heart attack.

“Concerned communities used a variety of platforms to share emergency information ab