Online journalism

As the realm between traditional journalists and bloggers blurs, how important is it to keep the boundaries visible? Should bloggers be split into categories? Is this need for distinction why so many journalists resist the move to online journalism?

A couple of intuitive Poynter.org articles by Steve Outing provide some perspectives on the line separating traditional journalists and bloggers, and what can be gained from one another’s techniques.

In “What journalists can learn from bloggers” Steve Outing suggests that some of the parts of blogging that often make traditional journalists scoff could enhance traditional journalism. Outing suggests that journalists are more confined than perhaps they need to be.

I must say that I think the restraint that journalists exhibit in publishing unconfirmed information is an asset to the profession. Some believe that speed is of the essence and as long as a blogger is upfront about his or her sources and is quick to correct any mistakes, then anything goes.

While this may lead to mistakes, there are mistakes in all facets of journalism. People want to know things instantly in today’s world, and the Internet has given them that reality. Television broadcasts often must report whatever information is available, just like any other news outlet, which may not be exactly accurate. The information is continuously updated and clarified as it becomes available. That is the truth of the news.

But then there are things that can be verified, and should be before being reported.

A second article, “What bloggers can learn from journalists” explores some of these potentially detrimental consequences that bloggers may face in what could be called their careless postings.
I believe Outing’s most valid arguments are the ones about protecting oneself from libel charges. When successful, these lawsuits can be financially crippling, and as Outing points out, most bloggers aren’t protected by a news organization that can pay for a costly lawsuit.

I have no idea how many bloggers are familiar with the strongest defense against libel, which incidentally is one of the biggest criticisms traditional journalists have with bloggers: the truth. The problem is bloggers may not expend the energy necessary to confirm the truth before publishing.

Some of the other points in Outing’s second article are too preachy for me to agree with. As an editor, I am very acutely aware of grammar, punctuation and spelling errors. They irk me any time I encounter them on the web. But I believe that the majority of the population doesn’t care nearly as much as I do about these things.

I also don’t think bloggers need to adhere to a code of ethics. I think it is more important for consumers of knowledge to be consumers in the same sense as going to the grocery store. When one shops for information, as one would do with a can of soup, comparisons should be made and the source of the product should be considered. How much nutrition, sodium and fat are in this can of soup?