Check out my "This I Believe Essay" about EMU. Listen to it by clicking the play button below or read the text here
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Aspirations
One of my classmate's, Clifton, spoke recently in his blog about becoming his own boss by publishing his own writing online and hoping to attract attention to it. While I agree that the online arena is the one most likely bound for success at this point in time, I still have my doubts about self publication. There are a lot of talented writers in each of my 300 and 400 level journalism courses at EMU. With that being said, there are a lot of talented writers in a lot of 300 and 400 and level courses at schools all over the state, the country, and the rest of the world as well.
With such a large pool of talent and so many individuals wanting to get in the fast line towards success through self publishing, how can anyone succeed? The truth is that we need each other. We need agencies (to this point newspapers) who are willing and able to seek out the best of us and combine our best work into some accredited publication. Without this kind of cohesion, it will be impossible for any of us to be discovered for the sheer number of "professional" writers that will try to make a living this way. In this dog eat dog world where anyone will do anything to get ahead, journalists need to stick together with a strong core of ethical, grammatical, and cultural standards that will keep our craft relevant and respected by the mainstream world.
With such a large pool of talent and so many individuals wanting to get in the fast line towards success through self publishing, how can anyone succeed? The truth is that we need each other. We need agencies (to this point newspapers) who are willing and able to seek out the best of us and combine our best work into some accredited publication. Without this kind of cohesion, it will be impossible for any of us to be discovered for the sheer number of "professional" writers that will try to make a living this way. In this dog eat dog world where anyone will do anything to get ahead, journalists need to stick together with a strong core of ethical, grammatical, and cultural standards that will keep our craft relevant and respected by the mainstream world.
Can Amazon predict the future?
I spend a lot of time talking about amazon.com in my blog. Amazon isn't just an arbitrary company that I like to follow however. With a huge advantage in the industry of online shopping, Amazon always works hard to increase profits through excellent customer service and an enormous selection of items at prices that are more than reasonable.
When Amazon posted its third quarter profits at $199 million and spoke of a 37% increase in sales, it's no wonder I thought the struggling media industry could take a few pointers.
How much have these guys really figured out? How much knowledge do they really have to offer?
Morgan Stanley analyst Mary Meeker is quotes as saying, "Amazon.com's value proposition (lowest prices + best selection + great customer service) is succeeding in attracting consumers as they transition from offline to online in search of value." Why should news consumers be any different? The best way for the news industry to follow this model towards continued success is to consistently offer opposing viewpoints on a variety of issues. Another example of how the idea of unified, crusade journalism described in my last post will lead the industry to failure. Can Amazon predict the future? If they can, and they seem to be doing a fair job so far, we're in a lot of trouble!
When Amazon posted its third quarter profits at $199 million and spoke of a 37% increase in sales, it's no wonder I thought the struggling media industry could take a few pointers.
How much have these guys really figured out? How much knowledge do they really have to offer?
Morgan Stanley analyst Mary Meeker is quotes as saying, "Amazon.com's value proposition (lowest prices + best selection + great customer service) is succeeding in attracting consumers as they transition from offline to online in search of value." Why should news consumers be any different? The best way for the news industry to follow this model towards continued success is to consistently offer opposing viewpoints on a variety of issues. Another example of how the idea of unified, crusade journalism described in my last post will lead the industry to failure. Can Amazon predict the future? If they can, and they seem to be doing a fair job so far, we're in a lot of trouble!
Friday, October 23, 2009
How journalism can abandon what little relevance it still holds
Brent Cunningham is a narrow minded individual. Hopefully my saying this will automatically sway public opinion to agree with me. I am, after all, a journalist, and according to Cunningham in his How journalism can regain it's relevance piece, journalism has "more important" roles than "emitting an endless stream of incremental developments and story frames."
Um, WHAT?! By definition, Brent, journalism is, "writing characterized by a direct representation of facts or description of events without an attempt at interpretation. That is one version of the Merriam-Webster definition. Note the phrase created by the words I chose to emphasize, "direct facts without interpretation." That is what journalism is supposed to be; the principle of objectivity that each of us learned in our first semester of dedicated study.
The reason people don't read the newspaper anymore isn't because we don't give them enough of our own opinions. The reason no one reads the paper, or watches the evening news, or listens to WJR on their way home from work, is that we have totally over saturated the airwaves with our own beliefs and the public is tired of us telling them what to think.
Brent does however go on to contradict himself. "Many of the good ideas we (America) take for granted are not the only good ideas." What do you know; finally some objectivity. The downfall is in the fact that if we combine this idea with the idea of crusade journalism discussed above, we can deduce that what Cunningham means to say is, "Journalists know what's better for Americans than Americans do." So much for being "by the people, for the people."
Cunningham later points out that, "in short, they (the press) would need to convince the public, by words and deeds, that they are on its side." Great, now we are trying to make best friends with the people we don't think are smart enough to interpret raw facts without our overwhelming wisdom. Give me a break. Are we trying to turn journalism into an institution with even more bearing and political power than the government itself? I could be mistaken, but I thought we were opposed to that.
Cunningham also states that journalists need to be, "clear about what they stand for and what they stand against." How about our age old creeds of truth, and helpful information? Probably not important; it is, after all, the 21st century.
I don't want to see the day when everyone believes that a Time Magazine editorial about a particular subject, "just isn't enough." Our job as journalists is to let the facts be known in order for people to make their own decisions about how they feel, not to force submissive agreement. If this is really where my field of study is headed, then I want a refund because every one of my professors has lied to me. I won't get on board with publishing 60 pages of opinion everyday, the editorial page is just that for a reason.
Um, WHAT?! By definition, Brent, journalism is, "writing characterized by a direct representation of facts or description of events without an attempt at interpretation. That is one version of the Merriam-Webster definition. Note the phrase created by the words I chose to emphasize, "direct facts without interpretation." That is what journalism is supposed to be; the principle of objectivity that each of us learned in our first semester of dedicated study.
The reason people don't read the newspaper anymore isn't because we don't give them enough of our own opinions. The reason no one reads the paper, or watches the evening news, or listens to WJR on their way home from work, is that we have totally over saturated the airwaves with our own beliefs and the public is tired of us telling them what to think.
Brent does however go on to contradict himself. "Many of the good ideas we (America) take for granted are not the only good ideas." What do you know; finally some objectivity. The downfall is in the fact that if we combine this idea with the idea of crusade journalism discussed above, we can deduce that what Cunningham means to say is, "Journalists know what's better for Americans than Americans do." So much for being "by the people, for the people."
Cunningham later points out that, "in short, they (the press) would need to convince the public, by words and deeds, that they are on its side." Great, now we are trying to make best friends with the people we don't think are smart enough to interpret raw facts without our overwhelming wisdom. Give me a break. Are we trying to turn journalism into an institution with even more bearing and political power than the government itself? I could be mistaken, but I thought we were opposed to that.
Cunningham also states that journalists need to be, "clear about what they stand for and what they stand against." How about our age old creeds of truth, and helpful information? Probably not important; it is, after all, the 21st century.
I don't want to see the day when everyone believes that a Time Magazine editorial about a particular subject, "just isn't enough." Our job as journalists is to let the facts be known in order for people to make their own decisions about how they feel, not to force submissive agreement. If this is really where my field of study is headed, then I want a refund because every one of my professors has lied to me. I won't get on board with publishing 60 pages of opinion everyday, the editorial page is just that for a reason.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
YouTube Journalism
My classmate, Marisa, wrote in her blog about YouTube and how it is both a form of digital journalism and a sign of where the field is headed. I couldn't agree more. Instead of tuning in to watch their favorite reporter on the 6 o'clock news, consumers could connect at their own convenience to get a web update from their favorite field reporter.
It is fascinating to me, as I give the topic more and more thought, that digital journalism transcends the boundaries of paper, radio, and television to create whatever hybrid of the three is most practical at any given moment. This evolution and adaptation toward consumer wants and needs is a truly amazing thing. Hopefully our industry will be able to find a sustainable business model at the same time.
It is fascinating to me, as I give the topic more and more thought, that digital journalism transcends the boundaries of paper, radio, and television to create whatever hybrid of the three is most practical at any given moment. This evolution and adaptation toward consumer wants and needs is a truly amazing thing. Hopefully our industry will be able to find a sustainable business model at the same time.
Too Far?
Books, just like newspapers and magazines are fading fast; a passing trend in the greater scheme of human history. Just as digital journalism is affecting the way people receive their news, online sales of books are affecting the way people purchase their books. The Wall Street Journal article from October 17, 2009 entitled Book Price War Escalates, outlines how Amazon.com and Walmart.com, because of their buying power and large volumes, are able to offer prices on best sellers that are much lower than retail.
Contrary to the digital switch in journalism which creates a more diverse content base, this low-price strategy will encourage buyers to support already-famous authors. This Makes it very hard for "up and coming writers" as the article notes.
Just as the corner newsstand is a thing of the past, the neighborhood book store may be headed towards decreasing sales and profits. "'I'm worried about the major book-selling chains, and I'm concerned about the implications for publishers and the public alike,'said David Young, chief executive of Lagardere SCA's Hachette Book Group, one of the country's largest book publishers."
We are all aware of the possibility that news will no longer be on paper. We are prepared to handle a world where the only proof of historic events exists on a hard drive in some remote location, but no more printed books? It's like their doing away with man's original form of entertainment. Next they'll come up with a way to tell campfire stories online that will be more cost-effective than doing the real thing, but a computer screen can't replace our heritage.
Contrary to the digital switch in journalism which creates a more diverse content base, this low-price strategy will encourage buyers to support already-famous authors. This Makes it very hard for "up and coming writers" as the article notes.
Just as the corner newsstand is a thing of the past, the neighborhood book store may be headed towards decreasing sales and profits. "'I'm worried about the major book-selling chains, and I'm concerned about the implications for publishers and the public alike,'said David Young, chief executive of Lagardere SCA's Hachette Book Group, one of the country's largest book publishers."
We are all aware of the possibility that news will no longer be on paper. We are prepared to handle a world where the only proof of historic events exists on a hard drive in some remote location, but no more printed books? It's like their doing away with man's original form of entertainment. Next they'll come up with a way to tell campfire stories online that will be more cost-effective than doing the real thing, but a computer screen can't replace our heritage.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Imitation and Flattery
They say imitation is the biggest form of flattery. They certainly talk a lot. While not usually buying into the temporary hype of the things they say, I'll have to agree this time. Mitch Albom has always been my favorite columnist to read. His way of concisely getting his heartfelt message across in so few words, with so much emotion, has always been admirable to me.
One thing Mitch relies heavily on is looking back at the past. It is convincing to hear real life stories that we can relate to. You don't feel any pressure when reading an Albom column because he never argues with you, Something Philip Agre suggets in his Writing for a Webzine article. Though provocative and persuasive, Albom never tells anyone that their way of thinking is wrong; he let's the reader decide this for his or herself. He also never hints at the smallest bit of condescendence.
This is what Agre is talking about when he instructs aspiring writers to speak in a public voice. Noting that speaking in a public voice means, "saying what you want to say while being confident that your audience will understand it," you must enter the same playing field as your audience; on the same level. Ironic that a sportswriter would be the one to do this best.
I can't think of anyone better to imitate than someone who has gracefully reieved so many prestigious awards and honors. I first started reading Albom's columns when I was a little boy. I would sit at the table, spilled milk and cereal crumbs abound, and open up the Sunday paper. Now I'm sitting in front of a computer and still reading it. I try not to eat at my desk, but I definitely still read Mitch's columns. Just as the hard copy of the newspaper is disappearing, so is my fear of failure. I can be like Mitch Albom. I can imitate and reach towrds his success.
One thing Mitch relies heavily on is looking back at the past. It is convincing to hear real life stories that we can relate to. You don't feel any pressure when reading an Albom column because he never argues with you, Something Philip Agre suggets in his Writing for a Webzine article. Though provocative and persuasive, Albom never tells anyone that their way of thinking is wrong; he let's the reader decide this for his or herself. He also never hints at the smallest bit of condescendence.
This is what Agre is talking about when he instructs aspiring writers to speak in a public voice. Noting that speaking in a public voice means, "saying what you want to say while being confident that your audience will understand it," you must enter the same playing field as your audience; on the same level. Ironic that a sportswriter would be the one to do this best.
I can't think of anyone better to imitate than someone who has gracefully reieved so many prestigious awards and honors. I first started reading Albom's columns when I was a little boy. I would sit at the table, spilled milk and cereal crumbs abound, and open up the Sunday paper. Now I'm sitting in front of a computer and still reading it. I try not to eat at my desk, but I definitely still read Mitch's columns. Just as the hard copy of the newspaper is disappearing, so is my fear of failure. I can be like Mitch Albom. I can imitate and reach towrds his success.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Dr. Robert K. Logan, in his book Understanding New Media, claims that, in order for the new environment of citizens reporters to be effective, there needs to be a "citizen editor" monitoring what people are writing.
This concept relates a lot to my last post in that it speaks of some sort of regulation on the information bloggers are posting on the internet. This idea of bloggers who are "endorsed" by a credible editor seems to be a plausible solution. Doing it this way eliminates the need for government regulation; if someone want to write junk, let 'em, none of us will read it anyway. At the same time, it creates credible news outlets that are monitored for ethics and accuracy that all can contribute to and access.
This concept relates a lot to my last post in that it speaks of some sort of regulation on the information bloggers are posting on the internet. This idea of bloggers who are "endorsed" by a credible editor seems to be a plausible solution. Doing it this way eliminates the need for government regulation; if someone want to write junk, let 'em, none of us will read it anyway. At the same time, it creates credible news outlets that are monitored for ethics and accuracy that all can contribute to and access.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Ensuring integrity in the digital transition
The front page of today's Wall Street Journal exclaimed that the
U.S. Seeks to Restrict Gift Giving To Bloggers. The article examines the ethics of bloggers accepting gifts, monetary or other, from companies in exchange for positive product reviews. The FTC has a new initiative at making such actions against the law unless the writer discloses their relationship with the company in the article. Is this a good or bad thing for bloggers? How about for consumers?
"It is a particularly controversial issue online, where the traditional division between editorial and advertising found in newspapers and magazines is harder to maintain," explains the article. I couldn't agree more. News outlets have, in large, lost the respect of the general public. The new wave of online media will never hold any clout with the public if they don't find the content to be objective and unbiased. These are the fundamentals our profession was built on, and it won't survive without them.
U.S. Seeks to Restrict Gift Giving To Bloggers. The article examines the ethics of bloggers accepting gifts, monetary or other, from companies in exchange for positive product reviews. The FTC has a new initiative at making such actions against the law unless the writer discloses their relationship with the company in the article. Is this a good or bad thing for bloggers? How about for consumers?
"It is a particularly controversial issue online, where the traditional division between editorial and advertising found in newspapers and magazines is harder to maintain," explains the article. I couldn't agree more. News outlets have, in large, lost the respect of the general public. The new wave of online media will never hold any clout with the public if they don't find the content to be objective and unbiased. These are the fundamentals our profession was built on, and it won't survive without them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
