I was *thinking* what anonymous said... not because I meant it, but I expected someone to post it as a comment. And he did.
As genuine as you are, bloggers can't be compared to journalists, and especially in a way that suggests quality is a factor. Sort of like arguing that the Supermarket tabloid is not a *real* newspaper, as the New York Times hustles to pay its bills and Google makes millions on ads placed on celebrity news blogs and mashups. Okay so a blog isn't a newspaper... so what? The blog readers like the blogs, newspaper readers are now reading blogs, and what blogger wants to be a failing newspaper or out of touch journalist?
If you assume the blogger seek the same external validation you seek as a journalist, you miss the mark. People who slight bloggers for credibility are to be ignored as the train rolls forward right over them. If they are strong enough to make a good case and expose blogging as well, less repectable, then... well... let's just say mean people suck.
The challenge is not to prove that blogging is second rate compared to real journalism.... the challenge is to be considered a successful respectable journalist in this modern media world.
Oh, and one place to start is by linking out to those who contribute comments or content to your publication. No-attribution black-hole publishing is lame and unworthy behavior of any journalist. So why do "respectable, fact-checking responsible journalists" do it, while bloggers link out to their supporters?
John: One area in which bloggers (or, more precisely, some bloggers) often trump mainstream media journalists is expertise. The Dan Rather/Bush National Guard memo fiasco is perhaps the most well-known example, but I see it practically every day in online reactions to media reports -- bloggers and online commenters point out mistakes in articles or questionable coverage decisions. We get this treatment on the Standard, and frankly, it's a great thing. It provides a dialogue, new points of view, and an extra layer of checks on our editorial processes.
If the lesson is to contact the person you are writing about why didn't anyone contact Mr. Yager and get his side of the story instead of just taking the word of Mr. Ventura?
Comments
I love getting journalism lessons from washed-up hacks. This is awesome. I can't wait to learn more from Professor Pantload Golson.
I'm glad you feel like you've learned something today, but I don't think I've been at this long enough to be washed-up!
Thanks for the feedback, though. Next time leave your name!
My guess is the anonymous bitter guy was one of the bloggers who jumped all over that story!
I was *thinking* what anonymous said... not because I meant it, but I expected someone to post it as a comment. And he did.
As genuine as you are, bloggers can't be compared to journalists, and especially in a way that suggests quality is a factor. Sort of like arguing that the Supermarket tabloid is not a *real* newspaper, as the New York Times hustles to pay its bills and Google makes millions on ads placed on celebrity news blogs and mashups. Okay so a blog isn't a newspaper... so what? The blog readers like the blogs, newspaper readers are now reading blogs, and what blogger wants to be a failing newspaper or out of touch journalist?
If you assume the blogger seek the same external validation you seek as a journalist, you miss the mark. People who slight bloggers for credibility are to be ignored as the train rolls forward right over them. If they are strong enough to make a good case and expose blogging as well, less repectable, then... well... let's just say mean people suck.
The challenge is not to prove that blogging is second rate compared to real journalism.... the challenge is to be considered a successful respectable journalist in this modern media world.
Oh, and one place to start is by linking out to those who contribute comments or content to your publication. No-attribution black-hole publishing is lame and unworthy behavior of any journalist. So why do "respectable, fact-checking responsible journalists" do it, while bloggers link out to their supporters?
John: One area in which bloggers (or, more precisely, some bloggers) often trump mainstream media journalists is expertise. The Dan Rather/Bush National Guard memo fiasco is perhaps the most well-known example, but I see it practically every day in online reactions to media reports -- bloggers and online commenters point out mistakes in articles or questionable coverage decisions. We get this treatment on the Standard, and frankly, it's a great thing. It provides a dialogue, new points of view, and an extra layer of checks on our editorial processes.
Ian Lamont
Managing Editor
The Industry Standard
If the lesson is to contact the person you are writing about why didn't anyone contact Mr. Yager and get his side of the story instead of just taking the word of Mr. Ventura?
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