For so long journalist have been too afraid to embrace the phenomenon known as, the internet. From blogging to twittering some journalists have been reluctant as well as close minded about the whole idea not realizing that these things are a positive addition to the world of journalism.
Some just feel that the fast paced news and ranting blogs are non other than a distraction as well as an insult to the “Gate Keepers,” who have worked so hard to give journalism, the strong ethical name it once stood for.
Little do these journalists know that this wonderful paradox has taken over and will easily take away their jobs if they do not get on board the 21st century? Blogging has not always had a good name. Some people have used it to their advantage and as their very own personal diary to note their latest drama filled relationships or lack of, for the entire world to see.
But over time blogging has changed. Some bloggers have filled their message boards with intelligent, news filled writing that can and have been very useful to mainstream journalists. Yes, some do argue that bloggers are not journalist and vice versa, but what journalist need to understand is that blogging is not there as a threat but rather as their very own learning tool.
There so many things that they can learn. Everyday mainstream journalists get straight to the point and report the news. Though they are doing their jobs some not only lack personality but their own personal touch because of the strong protocols they must follow but it is something viewers and listeners feed off of.
Times have changed and so have people. Some are drawn to opinions as well as emotions which bloggers are entitled to and definitely do. This is known as no restraint journalism. It is ok to say how you feel once in a great while. You never know, the people you report may appreciate the fact that someone else can relate. Blogging is also very fast for so many reasons. Mainstream journalists continuously have errors in all news rooms but that is what editors are there for.
But what happens when neither you nor your editor do not catch a fact or grammar error and the newspaper or magazine run? Unfortunately you can not take back what has been printed but only reprint a correction the following day, that is, if the paper is daily.
Blogging is quiet different. Once blogs have been posted bloggers as well as readers may notice an error and almost instantaneously correct it. It is quiet amazing.
Blogging also allows room for new and different voices which can be different to mainstream journalists. Of course people can easily email or write letters to the editor and hope it goes into the following paper but the net as well as blogging allows people to speak their mind for the entire world to see. It allows them to shed light on things the blogger may have missed or never known about.
Like Steve outing author of what journalist can learn from bloggers said, “I am not suggesting that newspapers and TV news operations mimic blogs, only that they experiment with some of the ideas that blogs present.”
