Myriam, residing in Armenia city, Quindio province, has transformed her hobby of gathering information into a source of income. Every day, she observes everything happening in her neighborhood, from romantic relationships to minor incidents, then sells this information to those interested.

The woman has established a pricing structure for different types of news. Simple stories cost 2.000-3.000 peso (0,5-0,7 USD), while more complex matters are priced higher.

Myriam in Armenia city, Quindio province, Colombia. Photo: T13

Inside her home, Myriam keeps a board displaying photos of neighbors along with notes about their relationships. She states this board stores all information, from affairs to various happenings in the neighborhood.

Her keen observation and listening skills are crucial. Even while conversing with one person, she pays attention to surrounding conversations and compiles the details. This work allows her to cover her daily living expenses.

Despite facing strong reactions from some neighbors when their private matters were spread, Myriam notes that clients continue to seek her out due to their curiosity about others' lives.

"Since I started charging, no one has been annoyed anymore. Regardless, people still come because everyone loves gossip," she said.

In many Latin American communities, oral culture or "chisme" (gossip) serves as an informal information network. It helps residents stay updated on neighborhood changes, knowing who got divorced, who lost their job, who faced difficulties, or who needed help.

Some researchers suggest that these types of conversations contribute to maintaining social cohesion and fostering a sense of community.

Ngoc Ngan (According to Meganoticias)