What is journalism? Journalism is defined as the collecting, writing, editing, and presenting of news or news articles in newspapers and magazines and in radio and television broadcasts. Yet is there a limit with the advancements of technology?
As society's needs change and technology advances, the realm of journalism will continuously undergo transformation. The birth of new technologies has created a sense of urgency amongst society in retreiving news as it happens as opposed to waiting the next day to pick up a newspaper and sip coffee at the dining room table. Society as a whole is on a fast-paced schedule, therefore limiting the opportunity to enjoy news in a relaxing manner; rather individuals are seeking news through the Internet on computers, cell phones and iPods, creating a stir among journalists to scramble and capture news as it is breaking.
Dr. Christine Tracy states in the article, Ecology and Democracy: Citizen Journalism in the Digital Age: "Coverage of the July 7, 2005 London subway bombings included video clips from survivors cell phones. These grainy but powerful images were almost instantly broadcast to global audiences on television and the Internet. This event exemplifies the current media landscape, which is experiencing tumultuous change since the advent of digital technologies in the early 1980s. Change, innovation, and experimentation is so predominant now that it has become exceedingly difficult to distinguish the communicative form that delivers the news from the practice of journalism, which motivates individuals to both create and consume news."
The statement shows how journalists are able to partake in a many-to-many model, by submitting breaking news events on the Internet via phone images, video clips and so much more. Along with the ability to post anything and everything on the Internet, fellow readers have the power to view the material submitted and leave commentary for the author. This advancement supports the fact that "citizen" journalists are on the rise. Clay Shirkey explores the concept of "citizen" journalism in the article, It Takes A Village To Find A Phone. The story explains the journey of a woman who loses her phone in a cab and eventually is found. Yet the ironic factor is the phone is not retrieved by the police, but rather through a webpage following on the Internet that enticed mere strangers to come together and retrieve the phone from the theif...all with the simple clicks of the computer keyboard.
No longer must we wait for a letter to the editor to be published to voice our opinion. No longer must we apply for jobs at the local newspapers in hopes to "make" it to the large metropolitan papers. No longer must we aspire to be the "leading" television broadcaster. No longer must we hope to make a difference. As digital journalists, we ARE the difference. We continue to stride forth, pushing the envelope to transform the realm of how journalism is perceived. We are meeting society's needs, opposed to forcing opinions/beliefs onto them. We are making history as it evolves.
Some say the use of the Internet is causing the degradation of the English language, others say the newspaper is facing its deathbed. Why the close-minded approach? Looking through the past of how journalism has evolved, there is no consistent pattern. Journalism has been sensational, objective, investigative and "muckraking". The English language is drastically different 20, 40, 60 years ago. The lack of embrace into the digital journalism world is frightening, especially when the fate of the future lies within the hands of technology.
Digital Journalism is the face of the world of journalism.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
EMU Embraces the Youth
Eastern Michigan University attracts more people than just students looking for a higher education. EMU's campus offers Ypsilanti High School students a place to hang out and enjoy recreational activities during after school hours.
Ypsilanti Township does not have the funding to provide teens with recreational activities, as well as many families are budgeted to the last penny, therefore also unable to supply teens the ability to partake in sports/extracurricular activities in school. So, where do teens go? Eastern Michigan University. The university is less than a 5 minute drive from Ypsilanti High School, providing the teens with an accessible place to gather with their friends without the proximity of their community.
What does Eastern have to offer high school teens? EMU's campus provides six lighted outdoor tennis and four basketball courts which were installed along Park Road in 1990. Both courts provide outdoor recreation for the community as well as a home for fall intramural athletics at EMU. Gehman Field, the home of the EMU softball team was installed in 1990. The complex underwent a major face lift after the 2002 season and now boasts two refinished dugouts, a press box and new outfield fencing. Enclosed outdoor batting cages with two pitching circles were also added behind the left-field fence. One of the last features added to the new University Commons building was an indoor climbing wall that simulates rock climbing. The structure 42 feet in height offers three sections of varying difficulty. Trained student assistants help users ascend the wall. Physical education professor Lester Zook, who spearheaded the project, says the rock wall prepares students for rock climbing on nearby mountains. EMU also offers high school students the use of the Fitness Center at a low rate of $35 per month, opposed to the majority of fitness gyms that overcharge into the $100's.
EMU stands behind their mission statement: "We extend our commitment beyond the campus boundaries to the wider community through service initiatives and partnerships of mutual interest addressing local, regional, national and international opportunities and challenges."
Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=my1cMMy13sI
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Ecology & Democracy: Citizen Journalism in the Digital Age
The question is asked, "What is journalism for?"
Journalism is for Democracy
The article, Ecology & Democracy: Citizen Journalism in the Digital Age by Dr. Christine Tracy furthermore explores the evolving changes in the world of journalism. Journalism is far too often confused with the realm of "news" and the conglomerate of the large corporations. "There is a widespread demand for less pro forma political representation, whether by the press or elected officials, and for more participation." This statement pertains to the political agenda, yet I strongly feel it is a larger voice for society's demands of journalism.
The article further states: "The central purpose of journalism is to provide citizens with accurate and reliable information they need to function in a free society. This encompasses myriad roles-helping define community, creating common language and common knowledge, identifying a community's goals, heroes and villains, and pushing people beyond complacency.....offering a voice to the voiceless."
As a citizen journalist, there is the ability to report "news" not through the newspaper, not through the broadcast stations, not even through the radio, but rather through the keystroke click of posting on blogs, web forums and social media outlets. The ability to "voice" opinions, thoughts and the TRUE facts gives the meaning back to a democratic nation. No longer are we bound to wait for another person to tell us the news, to filter what we should know and to voice our opinions for us. As a citizen journalist, we hold the key to our own freedom to report.
Another key point in the article is stated: "Unlike traditional reporting, which is highly competitive and focused on scooping the competition, open-source reporting embraces a collaborative model: a community of readers with access to multiple resources working together to report news in a highly transparent and flexible environment. In a typical open-source practice, reporters inform readers of a topic under investigation and then ask readers to contribute leads, sources, tips and ideas-to actually join in the real reporting."
Inviting the community to partake in researching, investigating and contributing to the story utilizes the advantages of "objectivity". Sure there will those who will incorporate their opinions, thoughts and slant, but there are so many more doors to open with including citizens. As much as we would like to believe that we are SuperMan (Woman), we cannot do it all on our own....we MUST utilize, incorporate, encourage the resources that others have to offer.
Journalism is for Democracy
The article, Ecology & Democracy: Citizen Journalism in the Digital Age by Dr. Christine Tracy furthermore explores the evolving changes in the world of journalism. Journalism is far too often confused with the realm of "news" and the conglomerate of the large corporations. "There is a widespread demand for less pro forma political representation, whether by the press or elected officials, and for more participation." This statement pertains to the political agenda, yet I strongly feel it is a larger voice for society's demands of journalism.
The article further states: "The central purpose of journalism is to provide citizens with accurate and reliable information they need to function in a free society. This encompasses myriad roles-helping define community, creating common language and common knowledge, identifying a community's goals, heroes and villains, and pushing people beyond complacency.....offering a voice to the voiceless."
As a citizen journalist, there is the ability to report "news" not through the newspaper, not through the broadcast stations, not even through the radio, but rather through the keystroke click of posting on blogs, web forums and social media outlets. The ability to "voice" opinions, thoughts and the TRUE facts gives the meaning back to a democratic nation. No longer are we bound to wait for another person to tell us the news, to filter what we should know and to voice our opinions for us. As a citizen journalist, we hold the key to our own freedom to report.
Another key point in the article is stated: "Unlike traditional reporting, which is highly competitive and focused on scooping the competition, open-source reporting embraces a collaborative model: a community of readers with access to multiple resources working together to report news in a highly transparent and flexible environment. In a typical open-source practice, reporters inform readers of a topic under investigation and then ask readers to contribute leads, sources, tips and ideas-to actually join in the real reporting."
Inviting the community to partake in researching, investigating and contributing to the story utilizes the advantages of "objectivity". Sure there will those who will incorporate their opinions, thoughts and slant, but there are so many more doors to open with including citizens. As much as we would like to believe that we are SuperMan (Woman), we cannot do it all on our own....we MUST utilize, incorporate, encourage the resources that others have to offer.
Christmas 2009: VIDEO ASSIGNMENT
Check out my video!!! I was nervous when the assignment was first spoken of, but when I took the time to work with iMovie, I can say that I absolutely love it! It was fun! :) Also, the video can be found on YouTube.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Dynamic of Collective Intelligence
Pierre Levy states in his book,Collective Intelligence: Mankind's Emerging World in Cyberspace:
"Media centric politics simply reverse the totalitarian formula: rather than organize the constant surveillance of individuals through a national party run by a dictator, it focuses our attention on political celebrities. Everyone watches the same stars; the president, ministers, journalists, media people. They are the only ones we see and hear. But real-time democracy is organized not around the vision of power over a society, but the communication of the community with itself, knowledge of the community's self."
The voice of the community is rising in power. The capability to retrieve news information is no longer limited to the nightly broadcast newsroom or the morning newspaper flung across the dewy lawn. News is being distributed through social media forums that is accessible to anyone and everyone who desires it. Society is engaging in breaking news stories, feeding sites such as Twitter and Facebook with viable information that journalists can access without having to pry, dig and interrogate people.
Tony Rogers posted a blog article that explores the ways that journalists are expanding the horizon of investigating news stories to retrieve information. The article: Journalists Use Facebook to Find Sources and Promote Stories, shows how a social networking tool can be utilized for both personal and professional matters. The blog states that many journalists are utilizing such sites as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and MySpace to find sources, news stories and information that is readily available and easy to access.
Levy confirms the point that Tony Rogers conveys in his blog post by his prediction, "that we will take greater control of that value and everything related to it as we use technology to organize ourselves into what we call Living Cities. Here, physical location is less important than the interactions of its members, and not surprisingly, the lack of territorialities will challenge present methods of governance."
Welcome to the freedom of the Internet!
"Media centric politics simply reverse the totalitarian formula: rather than organize the constant surveillance of individuals through a national party run by a dictator, it focuses our attention on political celebrities. Everyone watches the same stars; the president, ministers, journalists, media people. They are the only ones we see and hear. But real-time democracy is organized not around the vision of power over a society, but the communication of the community with itself, knowledge of the community's self."
The voice of the community is rising in power. The capability to retrieve news information is no longer limited to the nightly broadcast newsroom or the morning newspaper flung across the dewy lawn. News is being distributed through social media forums that is accessible to anyone and everyone who desires it. Society is engaging in breaking news stories, feeding sites such as Twitter and Facebook with viable information that journalists can access without having to pry, dig and interrogate people.
Tony Rogers posted a blog article that explores the ways that journalists are expanding the horizon of investigating news stories to retrieve information. The article: Journalists Use Facebook to Find Sources and Promote Stories, shows how a social networking tool can be utilized for both personal and professional matters. The blog states that many journalists are utilizing such sites as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and MySpace to find sources, news stories and information that is readily available and easy to access.
Levy confirms the point that Tony Rogers conveys in his blog post by his prediction, "that we will take greater control of that value and everything related to it as we use technology to organize ourselves into what we call Living Cities. Here, physical location is less important than the interactions of its members, and not surprisingly, the lack of territorialities will challenge present methods of governance."
Welcome to the freedom of the Internet!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
"This I Believe"
I believe in Equality. I believe that every human being, despite race, ethnicity, gender, religious preference, and sexual orientation deserves a fair chance and not be judged upon by another.
"Building on a proud tradition of national leadership in the preparation of teachers, we maximize educational opportunities and personal and professional growth for students from diverse backgrounds through an array of baccalaureate, master's and doctoral programs." I believe that Eastern Michigan University exhibits equality in the selection of students that are given the opportunity to attend EMU, as supported by their mission statement.
I can distinctly remember the day that I attended EMU for the Fast Track program. I was still a senior in High School and quite nervous to tour the university campus. I wanted the ability to attend an accredited university without having to leave the comforts of home. My parents and I arrived onto campus and I was struck at the diversity of students that filled the campus walkways, hallways and classrooms. I was raised in Detroit for 12 years, yet attended a parochial school in Dearborn, then moved to the suburb of garden City, where the majority of the community were middle-class, white families. My graduating class alone only encompassed three African-American kids, therefore limiting my exposure to diversity and the understanding of equality. I had toured a few other university campuses and had noticed the clique of stereotypes that were exhibited on the campus. Yet at Eastern, I felt the diversity. Men, women, young, old, white, black, Mexican, Arabic, straight, gay....the sky was the limit: literally. I was amazed, awed, intrigued and had my decision in the few seconds that I had stepped outside the car door. I hadn't quite found my identity in high school, but I felt a passion, desire and belonging at EMU.
Since that first day I stepped foot onto campus, EMU has continued to thrive in equality. I have friends that attend other colleges/universities and they complain of the lack of individuality. No one at Eastern can exert that same complaint. I love walking into a new class at the beginning of each semester, not hoping, but KNOWING that I will meet someone just as uniquely different as me, someone who has passion, desire and feels like they belong.
The day that I walk down the aisle in my commencement ceremony, I will proudly boast that I am a graduate of Eastern Michigan University, a university that is passionate of its students; believing, supporting and standing up for equality.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Just a "Click" Away......
While browsing online, I came across an article that sparked my interest:
"Suspect Killed, Officer Wounded In Robbery Try"
Sure the newspaper itself is dwindling in print, but online news sources are flourishing. Information regarding international, national, state, local news is available at the whim of a keystroke.
I was intrigued by the article due to the proximity to my home in Canton. Despite the fact that this is important information to me, it may not be to many others, therefore never receiving face time in a printed newspaper. BUT now I am not limited to relying on printed newspapers to receive information about my community. I can visit websites, blog forums and so much more. The ability to access information outside the world of the printed paper opens the door to the opportunity of the "citizen journalist", which I am quite an advocate for.
I appreciate the ability to utilize my "voice" where I want it heard opposed to hoping for an editor to publish a letter. I appreciate the opportunity to "speak out" what I stand for as opposed to fearing an editor will silence my words. I appreciate my RIGHT to be a journalist...how I desire, when I desire and most of all because I desire.
"Suspect Killed, Officer Wounded In Robbery Try"
Sure the newspaper itself is dwindling in print, but online news sources are flourishing. Information regarding international, national, state, local news is available at the whim of a keystroke.
I was intrigued by the article due to the proximity to my home in Canton. Despite the fact that this is important information to me, it may not be to many others, therefore never receiving face time in a printed newspaper. BUT now I am not limited to relying on printed newspapers to receive information about my community. I can visit websites, blog forums and so much more. The ability to access information outside the world of the printed paper opens the door to the opportunity of the "citizen journalist", which I am quite an advocate for.
I appreciate the ability to utilize my "voice" where I want it heard opposed to hoping for an editor to publish a letter. I appreciate the opportunity to "speak out" what I stand for as opposed to fearing an editor will silence my words. I appreciate my RIGHT to be a journalist...how I desire, when I desire and most of all because I desire.
"Take A Stand"
Brent Cunningham posts an intriguing article, "Take a Stand" on Columbia Journalism Review, which explores the concept of the evolving journalist's role in the 21st century. Cunningham states that journalist need to not limit their writing to "breaking" news media, but return to the roots of "investigative" journalism.
Cunningham quotes Jack Newfield from the memoir:Somebody’s Gotta Tell It:
"Pick an issue. Study it. Make yourself an expert so you won’t make any stupid factual mistakes. Figure out who the decision makers you want to influence are. Name the guilty men. Make alliances with experts. Combine activism with the writing. Create a constituency for reform. And don’t stop till you have achieved some progress or positive results."
The article further supports the notion of the journalist taking a step further into the realm of journalism; report breaking news, but also explore what is important. Don't tell society what to think, but supply society with information to MAKE them think. Stir up passion in issues that are still unresolved:
"The mythology of the nation—exceptional, above the taint of history—has been undercut by a terror attack, two botched wars, the reality of torture, a flooded city, a wounded economy, staggering inequality, a shameful health-care system . . . the list is long. It has been undercut, too, by the emerging realities of the twenty-first century: a multipolar world, transglobal problems that no amount of debt-funded escapism can keep at bay, a realization that America must lead, but cannot dictate."
Journalists hide behind the facade of retaining objectivity and reporting in a non-offensive tone, yet why does this excuse important issues to simply go ignored? It is not a luxury to pick and choose what you want to write as a journalist, IT IS YOUR DUTY TO REPORT IMPORTANT ISSUES, EVENTS, OCCURRENCES THAT ARE FOR THE BETTERMENT OF SOCIETY.
It is time to step out and shine, time to uncover to the veil of selective journalism, TIME TO TAKE A STAND.
Cunningham quotes Jack Newfield from the memoir:Somebody’s Gotta Tell It:
"Pick an issue. Study it. Make yourself an expert so you won’t make any stupid factual mistakes. Figure out who the decision makers you want to influence are. Name the guilty men. Make alliances with experts. Combine activism with the writing. Create a constituency for reform. And don’t stop till you have achieved some progress or positive results."
The article further supports the notion of the journalist taking a step further into the realm of journalism; report breaking news, but also explore what is important. Don't tell society what to think, but supply society with information to MAKE them think. Stir up passion in issues that are still unresolved:
"The mythology of the nation—exceptional, above the taint of history—has been undercut by a terror attack, two botched wars, the reality of torture, a flooded city, a wounded economy, staggering inequality, a shameful health-care system . . . the list is long. It has been undercut, too, by the emerging realities of the twenty-first century: a multipolar world, transglobal problems that no amount of debt-funded escapism can keep at bay, a realization that America must lead, but cannot dictate."
Journalists hide behind the facade of retaining objectivity and reporting in a non-offensive tone, yet why does this excuse important issues to simply go ignored? It is not a luxury to pick and choose what you want to write as a journalist, IT IS YOUR DUTY TO REPORT IMPORTANT ISSUES, EVENTS, OCCURRENCES THAT ARE FOR THE BETTERMENT OF SOCIETY.
It is time to step out and shine, time to uncover to the veil of selective journalism, TIME TO TAKE A STAND.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Layers of Citizen Journalism
Steve Outings posted an intriguing article,11 Layers of Citizen Journalism, onto PoynterOnline. The article divulges into the concept of Citizen Journalism and the many facets of what exactly it entails.
Outings explores the concepts of public comment, add-on reporter, open-source reporting, citizen bloghouse, stand-alone-citizen-journalism site edited & unedited, and a print version. As readers become more familiar with using the Internet, the anility to partake on citizen journalism is endless. There are no more restrictions, as in the case of writing to the editor and the letter is not printed....now we are able to visit hybrid newspapers, such as Ann Arbor News, and comment on whatever our heart desires, negative or poditive: WE HAVE THE RIGHT!
There is an issue that arises:How do you strike a balance between editoral control and citizen expression?
Editors of a hybrid newspaper are faced with the challenge of making the final decision as to leave commentary notes as is or edit for misspellings, grammatical errors and so forth. The argument lies within not editing to retain the author's point as is; to express the meaning within their individual personality. Yet the opposing side states to edit the material to retain credibility of the site and not create a "mish-mosh" of information as stated by Outings in his article.
I feel that a hybrid newspaper should have the ability to edit in a minute fashion; not the point intended, but minor issues such as spelling/grammatical errors. On the other hand, blogs, chat forums and so forth....leave as is....it is the freedom of expression and you are left to be judged, so you better know how to spell!
Outings explores the concepts of public comment, add-on reporter, open-source reporting, citizen bloghouse, stand-alone-citizen-journalism site edited & unedited, and a print version. As readers become more familiar with using the Internet, the anility to partake on citizen journalism is endless. There are no more restrictions, as in the case of writing to the editor and the letter is not printed....now we are able to visit hybrid newspapers, such as Ann Arbor News, and comment on whatever our heart desires, negative or poditive: WE HAVE THE RIGHT!
There is an issue that arises:How do you strike a balance between editoral control and citizen expression?
Editors of a hybrid newspaper are faced with the challenge of making the final decision as to leave commentary notes as is or edit for misspellings, grammatical errors and so forth. The argument lies within not editing to retain the author's point as is; to express the meaning within their individual personality. Yet the opposing side states to edit the material to retain credibility of the site and not create a "mish-mosh" of information as stated by Outings in his article.
I feel that a hybrid newspaper should have the ability to edit in a minute fashion; not the point intended, but minor issues such as spelling/grammatical errors. On the other hand, blogs, chat forums and so forth....leave as is....it is the freedom of expression and you are left to be judged, so you better know how to spell!
"Find Your Voice: Writing for a Webzine"
Reading the article, Find Your Voice: Writing for a Webzine, poses the question: What is a public voice?
Pulic voice is the synthesis that lies halfway between two extremes: a private voice and a commercial voice.
A private voice makes no concession to others: the only priority is honest expression, regardless of whether anyone will comprehend or identify with your words.
A commercial voice wants only to produce a predetermined effect in the audience: study the audience and then tell them what they want to hear.
Therefore, what is a public voice? After reading and analyzing the article, I came to the conclusion that "your" voice is something that you are passionate about that strikes the interest of others through your expression of voice in writing.
While browsing a hot blog spot Wordpress, I came across the blog, Caught in the Web, by Eliza Cracknell. The blog explores Social Media & Networking. I find her voice intriguing in how she digs into how media is rapidly changing. She analyzes Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and the vast array of media outlets that are utilized daily, hourly and even by the minute not just for social pleasure, but retrieving facts, information and news. A specific blog,astates how a woman's magazine utilizes Twitter to update their readers in a matter of seconds regarding upcoming issues, sales and promotions.
I really enjoy Eliza's writing style in how she incorporates wit with fact, charm with news and an overall funky personality to her blog that doesn't bore the reader, but rather encourages them to read on.
Pulic voice is the synthesis that lies halfway between two extremes: a private voice and a commercial voice.
A private voice makes no concession to others: the only priority is honest expression, regardless of whether anyone will comprehend or identify with your words.
A commercial voice wants only to produce a predetermined effect in the audience: study the audience and then tell them what they want to hear.
Therefore, what is a public voice? After reading and analyzing the article, I came to the conclusion that "your" voice is something that you are passionate about that strikes the interest of others through your expression of voice in writing.
While browsing a hot blog spot Wordpress, I came across the blog, Caught in the Web, by Eliza Cracknell. The blog explores Social Media & Networking. I find her voice intriguing in how she digs into how media is rapidly changing. She analyzes Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and the vast array of media outlets that are utilized daily, hourly and even by the minute not just for social pleasure, but retrieving facts, information and news. A specific blog,astates how a woman's magazine utilizes Twitter to update their readers in a matter of seconds regarding upcoming issues, sales and promotions.
I really enjoy Eliza's writing style in how she incorporates wit with fact, charm with news and an overall funky personality to her blog that doesn't bore the reader, but rather encourages them to read on.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
WIKI-Digital Journalism
Last week, on October 13th, I posted an entry on the "Digital Journalism" page found on Wikipedia. I checked it today to see of the post has been formatted and was excited to see that my original entry is still there, untouched, and readily accessible for any reader to see! Here is my post:
Digital Journalism is the revolution of how news is consumed by society. Online sources are able to preovide quick, efficient, accurate reportings of breaking news in the matter of seconds, providing society with a synopsis of events as they occur. Throughout the development of the event, journalists are able to feed online sources the information keeping readers up to date in mere seconds. Digital Journalism does not mean the death of newspapers, but rather the evolution of how we retain our news. Online sources are media outlets for news happening at the moment, reported objectively, providing factual information, while newspapers can return to the roots of their foundation and provide an in-depth analysis of current events.
Digital Journalism is the revolution of how news is consumed by society. Online sources are able to preovide quick, efficient, accurate reportings of breaking news in the matter of seconds, providing society with a synopsis of events as they occur. Throughout the development of the event, journalists are able to feed online sources the information keeping readers up to date in mere seconds. Digital Journalism does not mean the death of newspapers, but rather the evolution of how we retain our news. Online sources are media outlets for news happening at the moment, reported objectively, providing factual information, while newspapers can return to the roots of their foundation and provide an in-depth analysis of current events.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Speculation
While surfing the Net during some free time, I came across this blog post that I would like to share with you.
How journalism has changed....states the obvious: the never-ending evolvment of journalism, yet what intrigued me was the usage of personal examples to support the theory of citizen journalism.
The post explores the past and present of journalism, the restrictions to the open-forum, the limitations to the freedoms.....the post is quite intriguing.
How journalism has changed....states the obvious: the never-ending evolvment of journalism, yet what intrigued me was the usage of personal examples to support the theory of citizen journalism.
The post explores the past and present of journalism, the restrictions to the open-forum, the limitations to the freedoms.....the post is quite intriguing.
Impact of "New Media" on the News
Dr. Logan's Understanding New Media, explores the growth of the news media outlets, ranging from the traditional newspaper to the popularized Internet and how the two have become a collaborative force to presenting "news" quickly, efficiently and accurately.
What is news? What is information? Is there a distinction?
The online news environment blurs the distinction between news and information; while the traditional newspaper provided the reader with the latest reports of daily events occurring locally, nationally or worldwide, the Internet holds no limitations. Therefore, the online news environment has the ability to incorporate the past into a new genre of generating news, yet is it all newsworthy or merely information?
Rich Gordon, Director of Digital Technology in Education at Northwestern University, states that in order for citizen journalism to be successful, there must be a citizen editor.
What is a citizen editor? According to the article, Understanding New Media, a citizen editor would solicit other people to provide information and encourage interactivity among users.
I agree with Rich Gordon in retrospect to utilizing a citizen editor. Despite the fact that we do have the freedom to post articles, pictures and entries onto the Web for all to see, how does a reader sift through the information and decipher what is credible and not? A citizen editor, trained in the field in Journalism, will be able to take the initiative to promote the site, while educating and encouraging community members to participate by submitting tidbits of information and/or images. The citizen editor will organize the information submitted and enhance the site to promote the concept of citizen journalism.
While reading the article, I was intrigued to better understand the world of citizen journalism. I found the article: The 11 Layers of Citizen Journalism by Steve Outing. The article deciphers in-depth the meaning of citizen journalism by exploring blogs, Wikipedia and social networking sites such as Facebook/MySpace.
In the conclusion of the article, Dr. Logan states, "If newspapers can no longer be the first to report breaking because of television, radio and the Internet, then perhaps they should get back to their roots....newspapers were a source of depth, analysis and opinion." This is a great statement and supports my opinion that newspapers are not dying, but rather transforming. Society wants "news" now, therefore utilizing the Web, yet society also enjoys an intellectual piece that involves analysis, so why not pick up the paper?
What is news? What is information? Is there a distinction?
The online news environment blurs the distinction between news and information; while the traditional newspaper provided the reader with the latest reports of daily events occurring locally, nationally or worldwide, the Internet holds no limitations. Therefore, the online news environment has the ability to incorporate the past into a new genre of generating news, yet is it all newsworthy or merely information?
Rich Gordon, Director of Digital Technology in Education at Northwestern University, states that in order for citizen journalism to be successful, there must be a citizen editor.
What is a citizen editor? According to the article, Understanding New Media, a citizen editor would solicit other people to provide information and encourage interactivity among users.
I agree with Rich Gordon in retrospect to utilizing a citizen editor. Despite the fact that we do have the freedom to post articles, pictures and entries onto the Web for all to see, how does a reader sift through the information and decipher what is credible and not? A citizen editor, trained in the field in Journalism, will be able to take the initiative to promote the site, while educating and encouraging community members to participate by submitting tidbits of information and/or images. The citizen editor will organize the information submitted and enhance the site to promote the concept of citizen journalism.
While reading the article, I was intrigued to better understand the world of citizen journalism. I found the article: The 11 Layers of Citizen Journalism by Steve Outing. The article deciphers in-depth the meaning of citizen journalism by exploring blogs, Wikipedia and social networking sites such as Facebook/MySpace.
In the conclusion of the article, Dr. Logan states, "If newspapers can no longer be the first to report breaking because of television, radio and the Internet, then perhaps they should get back to their roots....newspapers were a source of depth, analysis and opinion." This is a great statement and supports my opinion that newspapers are not dying, but rather transforming. Society wants "news" now, therefore utilizing the Web, yet society also enjoys an intellectual piece that involves analysis, so why not pick up the paper?
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
What is Next??
After reading Jeff Jarvis's blog regarding the FCC regulations on blogs, I am thoroughly annoyed.
What is next? Regulation of what is said in everyday conversation?
The blog is context-rich in information, supplying the reader with background information, a PDF link to the regulations and of course the wonders of the biased opinion of Jeff Jarvis!
Despite the fact that the First Amendment protects our rights to the freedom of speech, I feel that this "right" is consistently infringed upon by the government with ridiculous regulations, codes and "politically correct" statements. I agree that newspapers should report fairly and in an objective manner, BUT firmly disagree of the same model for blogs. I was under the assumption that blogs were created for the main stance of stating, supplying and providing one's opinion, no matter what the stance was. Guess I was wrong....
What is next? Regulation of what is said in everyday conversation?
The blog is context-rich in information, supplying the reader with background information, a PDF link to the regulations and of course the wonders of the biased opinion of Jeff Jarvis!
Despite the fact that the First Amendment protects our rights to the freedom of speech, I feel that this "right" is consistently infringed upon by the government with ridiculous regulations, codes and "politically correct" statements. I agree that newspapers should report fairly and in an objective manner, BUT firmly disagree of the same model for blogs. I was under the assumption that blogs were created for the main stance of stating, supplying and providing one's opinion, no matter what the stance was. Guess I was wrong....
Ring, Ring.....where are you PHONE?
"Finders, Keepers" "Losers, Weepers".....
Typically this phrase would apply to many of us who have been unfortunate to lose an item of importance, but not Ivanna.
Clay Shirkey explores the wonders of technology and communication through digital journalism in the article: "It Takes A Village To Find A Phone"
Ivanna leaves her phone, a T-Mobile Sidekick, in a NY cab which is then picked up by another rider. Ivanna, distraught by the mishap, turns to a friend for consoling and help. Evan Guttman, a programmer in the financial industry, offers a reward for the return of the phone via e-mail message that would show on the phone. No luck.....
Ivanna suffers her loss and moves on....purchasing a new phone, transferring the information from the old to the new.....Cha-Ching....JACKPOT! Photos taken and emailed by the thief were transferred to the new phone...we have a culprit: Sasha!
Evan immediately reacts, contacts Sasha, offers a reward......situation resolved right? WRONG! Sasha puts up a fight, lashes out with racial slander and refuses the return of the phone. Bad Call Sasha.....
Evan decides to take the story public, creating a webpage titled StolenSidekick, which he sends to his friends. The webpage sparks conversation and begins to circulate the web, people who are diffused by anger at losing personal belongings, jump in to fight the cause. The police were contacted, yet did nothing to help, stating the phone was considered "lost" rather than "stolen". Evan consistently updates the site with the latest news regarding the phone, fueling readership and dedication among STRANGERS to stand up as one and find a resolution!
Individuals serve as one-person media outlets by discussing the issue on weblogs, mailing lists and various electronic groups. The story spread like wild fire through a forest...flames licking away to quench their thirst....thirst for more, thirst for a cause, thirst for resolution!
The ability to sit a computer, click letters on the keyboard and hit send....spreading viewpoints, opinions, news, rumors..anything the heart desires, for the world to see in a matter of seconds without ever stepping foot outside the door of your home is amazingly breath-taking....
Are there repercussions? Ethical issues that arise? Should Sasha had to endure the sexual innuendos, racial slurs or degradation of her character? Some people would say that she deserved it, others firmly against it. I personally feel that she placed herself into the situation by declining the offer to return the phone, therefore obtaining full responsibility of any feedback...negative, positive or neutral.
While reading the story, I was fascinated with the response that was generated regarding the everyday issue of someone losing their phone. People joined forces, clicking away in passion, determined to help in any way....this would not have occurred 10 years ago...a lost phone would merely be a lost phone....we are encountering a phenomena.
Typically this phrase would apply to many of us who have been unfortunate to lose an item of importance, but not Ivanna.
Clay Shirkey explores the wonders of technology and communication through digital journalism in the article: "It Takes A Village To Find A Phone"
Ivanna leaves her phone, a T-Mobile Sidekick, in a NY cab which is then picked up by another rider. Ivanna, distraught by the mishap, turns to a friend for consoling and help. Evan Guttman, a programmer in the financial industry, offers a reward for the return of the phone via e-mail message that would show on the phone. No luck.....
Ivanna suffers her loss and moves on....purchasing a new phone, transferring the information from the old to the new.....Cha-Ching....JACKPOT! Photos taken and emailed by the thief were transferred to the new phone...we have a culprit: Sasha!
Evan immediately reacts, contacts Sasha, offers a reward......situation resolved right? WRONG! Sasha puts up a fight, lashes out with racial slander and refuses the return of the phone. Bad Call Sasha.....
Evan decides to take the story public, creating a webpage titled StolenSidekick, which he sends to his friends. The webpage sparks conversation and begins to circulate the web, people who are diffused by anger at losing personal belongings, jump in to fight the cause. The police were contacted, yet did nothing to help, stating the phone was considered "lost" rather than "stolen". Evan consistently updates the site with the latest news regarding the phone, fueling readership and dedication among STRANGERS to stand up as one and find a resolution!
Individuals serve as one-person media outlets by discussing the issue on weblogs, mailing lists and various electronic groups. The story spread like wild fire through a forest...flames licking away to quench their thirst....thirst for more, thirst for a cause, thirst for resolution!
The ability to sit a computer, click letters on the keyboard and hit send....spreading viewpoints, opinions, news, rumors..anything the heart desires, for the world to see in a matter of seconds without ever stepping foot outside the door of your home is amazingly breath-taking....
Are there repercussions? Ethical issues that arise? Should Sasha had to endure the sexual innuendos, racial slurs or degradation of her character? Some people would say that she deserved it, others firmly against it. I personally feel that she placed herself into the situation by declining the offer to return the phone, therefore obtaining full responsibility of any feedback...negative, positive or neutral.
While reading the story, I was fascinated with the response that was generated regarding the everyday issue of someone losing their phone. People joined forces, clicking away in passion, determined to help in any way....this would not have occurred 10 years ago...a lost phone would merely be a lost phone....we are encountering a phenomena.
Here, Now & Why......
The Evolution of the Newspaper of the Future by Chris Lapham explores the advancement of the nespaper world into a digital form. I am more than ecstatic to FINALLY read a piece that not only embraces, but promotes the idea of digital journalism.
Many people in society are fearful of change, therefore reject the idea of utilizing the newspaper digitally, stating the realm of the newspaper industry is becoming extinct. Yet, how is retrieving the news from an online source truthfully any different from reading the newspaper? Sure, there is an inability to physically turn the page, while your fingers accumulate the gray ink off the page, SO wouldn't it be easier to simply click what is desired to be read? There is great opportunity within the utilization of the Web as a media source of information, we are able to navigate more than one site at a time, allowing the opportunity to retrieve news in a multitude. Technology in society is changing drastically; we can either embrace the new world, or forever fall behind.....
Ann Arbor News is a great example to support the prediction of a hybrid model as Dr. Tracy forecasted. Ann Arbor News still offers a print version on Thursday and Sunday, yet retains the majority of publication online: CONVERGENCE to the realm of digital journalism! The website allows the reader easy accesibilty to any source of information, with the ability to search engine a specific topic.
Locals of the Ann Arbor area stated feelings of sadness and disbelief as stated in the article posted on the site:http://www.annarbor.com/news/people-saddened-by-closing-of-the-ann-arbor-news/. While reading the article, I noticed bias stated in the article regarding the demographics of the people who were interviewed and quoted. For example, Ed Davidson, owner of Bivouac, a custom outdoor clothing & equipment store, stated: "I curl up in front of the fireplace on Sunday and read the newspaper. My kids curl up in front of the fireplace with their laptops." Davidson confirms the notion that those of an older generation will be hesitant and skeptical of the new age world of journalism, yet younger generations are embracing the changes and allowing the technological advancements to flourish.
I personally feel that the ability to utilize digital journalism has opened the door to so many opportunities that did not exist before. Digital journalism allows an open forum between the journalist and reader, creating a personal relationship that was not explored once before. The ability to communicate freely, openly and at the click of the mouse is astounding!
Many people in society are fearful of change, therefore reject the idea of utilizing the newspaper digitally, stating the realm of the newspaper industry is becoming extinct. Yet, how is retrieving the news from an online source truthfully any different from reading the newspaper? Sure, there is an inability to physically turn the page, while your fingers accumulate the gray ink off the page, SO wouldn't it be easier to simply click what is desired to be read? There is great opportunity within the utilization of the Web as a media source of information, we are able to navigate more than one site at a time, allowing the opportunity to retrieve news in a multitude. Technology in society is changing drastically; we can either embrace the new world, or forever fall behind.....
Ann Arbor News is a great example to support the prediction of a hybrid model as Dr. Tracy forecasted. Ann Arbor News still offers a print version on Thursday and Sunday, yet retains the majority of publication online: CONVERGENCE to the realm of digital journalism! The website allows the reader easy accesibilty to any source of information, with the ability to search engine a specific topic.
Locals of the Ann Arbor area stated feelings of sadness and disbelief as stated in the article posted on the site:http://www.annarbor.com/news/people-saddened-by-closing-of-the-ann-arbor-news/. While reading the article, I noticed bias stated in the article regarding the demographics of the people who were interviewed and quoted. For example, Ed Davidson, owner of Bivouac, a custom outdoor clothing & equipment store, stated: "I curl up in front of the fireplace on Sunday and read the newspaper. My kids curl up in front of the fireplace with their laptops." Davidson confirms the notion that those of an older generation will be hesitant and skeptical of the new age world of journalism, yet younger generations are embracing the changes and allowing the technological advancements to flourish.
I personally feel that the ability to utilize digital journalism has opened the door to so many opportunities that did not exist before. Digital journalism allows an open forum between the journalist and reader, creating a personal relationship that was not explored once before. The ability to communicate freely, openly and at the click of the mouse is astounding!
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