Friday, August 24, 2007

Bloggers and Media

This is a simple little example of blogs relationship to the media. On my post "Renzi's Out" I got an email from a local "dead tree" reporter, asking if I had a "source" or "verification". I emailed back "click on the link", but I didn't respond all that fast. So I get to hear same reporter on local radio reporting "rumor" about the same story. I talked to the same reporter this evening, and he said "was that a link? I didn't check".
That is our simple difference.
If I state something as a fact or "news", I better have a link to my source of the information.
If (as in my last post) I'm stating my opinion, well, it's mine. No source needed. You, the reader, can decide what it's worth.
But I found that the big difference is that blogs can be "fact checked" by a simple click. A newspaper doesn't have that option. The public assumes that the reporter has done his homework, and that the story is accurate. You can't "click on the link" on a newspaper.
This is how the media is changing.
(BTW, it's nice to know that a local reporter is reading my blog. But also slightly sad. I'm just an old hippie, so if you're looking to me for the news you're not paying attention.)

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I don't think it's a bad thing at all Py.

You do an excellent job researching your posts. You print a lot of things I'd never know about if I didn't read them here.

I have no interest in the MSM, and have not for some time.

I'd take it as a compliment.

Now, if he starts reading my blog for "news" then we might have a problem. My "News Tidbits and General Observations" posts are definitely not newspaper material.

Mauigirl said...

Very interesting! And good point about blogs being able to link to their sources. I always try to link to legitimate sources when I write something as well, and I think most of us do that.

Anonymous said...

That's an excellent policy, P. And now that I think about it, that seems to be general operating procedure for most bloggers "we" read, doesn't it?

And I have to agree with Fairlane, it's a compliment that reporters find you credible enough to read and contact.

Distributorcap said...

amazing Py that you do your work (and well) and the reporters DONT do there work

and that goes for "credible" journalists at CNN etc.

Fran said...

That is great- you rumor monger you.

How interesting this all is Py. As for reporters doing their work... well enough said about that.

Ultimately what a compliment to you and so well deserved. I am ever moved by your clear, thoughtful and thought provoking posts. It is interesting that you are being noted, however so, by the "MSM".

Anyway, keep up your great work. I, for one am so glad it is here.

Aging hippy? You make me smile.