Journalists may feel threatened by the Internet illusion of free, reliable reporting. But it is a different kettle of fish when our struggling industry makes a mockery of itself, trampling on standards, insulting the First Amendment, and reinforcing the unfortunate notion held by some that we are no better than our bloggy imitators.
Agreed -- bloggers can't take the place of paid journalists unless we can find an economic model that works. That won't happen unless the above becomes common place...
I put together a letter to the President and CEO of Starbucks encouraging no more News-Press sales in the local Starbucks. The letter is available for downloading and editing at:
ReplyDeleteStarbucks Letter
Sara, I disagree with you on this. I think there is another issue which deserves attention on this subject. Blogs are generally opinions by anonymous bloggers based on news. Not that all traditional news sources are perfect, but in essence they are supposed to be unbiased, based on fact, and can be verified. Bloggers can say whatever they want anonymously, which isn't a bad thing as it fosters discussion and interest in local and national subjects. I think each has it's place and each is equally important but they are definitely not the same thing and shouldn't be.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same -- that there is a place for each. Still, the quality of my and other's work would increase greatly if there was a decent amount of money involved. It would allow a blogger to spend more time at what they are doing, maybe hire staff, etc.
ReplyDeleteparkparkpark -- well-written letter and an interesting development in the campaign. What do people think about this? Good idea?
ReplyDeleteI see that Travis attacks the newly departed employees today, adding insult to injury!
ReplyDeleteFor those who don’t read the News-Press anymore, there’s the same old, same old editorial today about high density housing. No fresh thinking or even original writing – just bits and pieces of old thoughts and sentences pasted in.
ReplyDeleteThe solution to dense housing is simple. We each move to a 20-acre ocean front estate in Hope Ranch, bought by our divorce money.
Plenty of elbow room there.
The Herald's piece is devastating. One can only imagine what other newspaper owners think of The Wendy and her Baron.
ReplyDeleteIs Armstrong capable of writing a column without attacking long-departed Susan Rose? It's become a joke. He and Steepleton must cling to McCaw's skirts as tightly as possible, because, when she fires them, they are out of daily newspapers for good.
ReplyDeleteBloggers foster dialogue within their communities and it's a vital part of being informed. Blogabarbara has been a critical link to our community awareness on social issues.
ReplyDeleteYou read something interesting on Blogabarbara, you discuss it with your friends that aren't bloggers, and ideas and information are further disseminated - introducing differing ideas, POV's, solutions, rallying points or anything else that's relevant to the community's wellbeing.
Bloggers have their place, and while we may not always be right, there are times when bloggers have been right and journalists were wrong.
Blogging is forcing traditional news and print media to evolve, kicking and screaming all the way.
I don’t get Travis’ column today:
ReplyDeleteWhat are his “colleagues” doing?
What did councilman Barnwell say?
I didn’t see the stories about the colleagues or about Mr. Barnwell in the News-Press.
Did I miss them?
I think today's Travestorial bashing the employees and the Teamsters deserves it's own thread. Unbelievable.
ReplyDeleteI think the density issue is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteThat would be ex-employees. I don't think Travis is bashing himself.
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