"Blogging"

Blogging seems to be the new media outlet of where journalists can gather their ideas and deliver to the public. However, are journalists that use blogs really journalists or are they just stating their opinions? It seems like almost everyone that is blogging does not have to have a degree in journalism, but just needs to connect with their audience. But what about the journalists that actually do report on an innovative instrument or a new exciting technological gadget? Patrick Baltatzis uncovered some of these ideas and/or concepts of blogging in his article. First, he examines the role of journalism in a democratic society and how vital it is to establish a relationship between the two. Second, he defines the new media of blogging, and explains what it is. Third, he analyzes the significance of blogs to journalists and if journalists are embracing it or rejecting it. Fourth, he uncovers the issues in blogging and if it has any restraints in the field of journalism. Lastly, he touches on whether or not journalists or publications should utilize blogs.

The importance of journalism in a democratic society, is that it enables different interests to gain leadership in society. It establishes political, social and economic leadership in societies. Most of the advances in journalism have made in an impact in our democratic society, thus deems some advances as revolutionary. Journalism also enables different interests to come together and have an active voice. Without journalism, we could not have a democracy, because it would not include the public's voice.

Blogging is a new channel of special interest to publishers and readers as well. It can sometimes be a form of journalism, but sometimes it is not. It would be hard to come to a definite answer about this. However, by blogging and using the Internet, it is a cost effective way of delivering news and a message. "Users or other bloggers subscribe to these syndication feeds (RSS-feeds), which automatically appear on the subscriber’s website, blog or in a newsreader." A blog can be used as a marketplace of ideas, by including technologies.

The significance of blogs to journalists is the fact that their stories can spread quickly. It also gives journalists more of a free tone of voice. It gives the journalist a way to break free from the traditional standard way of writing in a newspaper to more for writing freely. This is an area where journalists do not have a criteria of the way they write, but more of what they want to write about. It establishes a connection between the journalist and his/her audience.

Journalists should definitely consider blogging to build their reputations with communities and the society. By writing in a way not just as a journalist but more of a consumer, the communities will be able to identify with the writer. The journalist can provide relevant and reliable information to their communities. Blogging is also less expensive than the paper and can use fewer resources. All the information that could not fit on the paper, could be written in the blog. It is a great way of readers to pick and choose what they want to read and what they think is relevant.

Blogging is innovating journalism in a tremendous way by "analyzing trends and current events faster." Readers will be able to get their information faster and it is a cost effective way to deliver that information to the public. Blogging is presenting new ways for readers to contribute to the stories and gives them a chance to interact with the journalist as well. Because innovation is a vital for the advancement of society, blogging is a great step forward in journalism. With the development of these such new medias, journalists can deliver the relevant information faster and easier.

-Nina Pak