Where does a writer stop and a human begin? On her blog, “Mediadiscussions“, Nur states, “…just reading writers’ opinions… make me feel more unsatisfied.” Yet, she enjoys reading a blog which consists of different “journalists’” opinions. Inferred in her article, What I like about “PostGlobal“, is the fundamental difference between a writer and a person, and a piece that is written by an employee and one that is written by an individual.
The constraints of newspaper writers are large. The author mentions availability and frequency: “their articles appear only once a week.” In addition, those who are employed by newspapers, frankly, have an obligation to adhere to the company’s agenda in terms of subject, timing, and bias. On a more positive note, written articles usually require more background research to be able to retaliate in cases someone claims that her writing is not legitimate.
On the other hand, bloggers are free. They can change opinions everyday, post whenever they have the time, and make their own rules. Bloggers come from everywhere and anywhere, whereas journalists employed by newspapers usually share similar educations, origins, and experiences. The author asserts that this results in “a truly global discussion.”
Nur also states: “moreover every single post is linky”. That is exactly what Robert Scoble advises in his book, “Naked Conversations“– tip #9: “be linky”.
In blogs there are no limits. Journalists are able to act as individuals—people are writing, not employees. In a blog, one’s argument is skinned of its obligations to the establishment, and widely available for review. Individuals are expressing information in a way that was impossible before the Internet, and the communication of international affairs is rapidly changing.
November 25, 2007 at 1:27 pm
I really appreciate the discussion you guys are having. I’ve been thinking lots about these issues and am v. grateful you both visited http://www.washingtonpost.com/america (How the World Sees America). Do keep in touch.
Amar