In discussing We the Media how internet (especially blogs) is quicker in dispersing information (to those who have net access). There are pros and cons to this conviniency.
Pros:
Update-ibility
Easy to get published
Conversations
Collaborators
Impressions (Citizen journalism)
Restriction
Your voice (freedom of speech)
Cons:
Deception
Easy to get published
Impressions
Restriction
Privacy invaded
Monopolies
from the list above, it is apparent that the benifits outweigh the possible harm (just like what Gillmor said). The alacrity it takes to pass information through the net is very convinient in our fast-paced era. But this quickness can lead to mistakes and can also deceive (especially in tools such as pasting and copying- very dangerous since context of story can be removed which would mislead- this is exemplified in an article I wrote a year ago about grey hound).
The net helps to start conversations which often lead to collaborative work. This participation nurtures normal ordinary citizens into becoming journalists (consumers becoming active producers). Often times, the impressions we give and write about are enough to convey a story, to tell news.
The freedom gained in blogs have consequences. Gillmor stresses the mantra: "Blog at your own risk!" He guarantees that as long as citizen journalists remain fair, true and accurate with their stories then they have nothing to lose. Sure, it's easier to get published but there are also laws to curb human's propensity to be "destructive."
Some of the consequences involve losing privacy to big companies tracking us down with cookies and monopolies. BUT nonetheless, blogs (the net) give us a voice, which reinforces our ability to "make, write, and read the news."
Conversations need to start somewhere. Gillmor hypothesize that blogs and the internet is the place to begin. The end of the book is just the beginning- to become citizen-journalists, is to make the news, we as the media.
Posted by Michael Diezmos at November 28, 2005 3:14 PM