Web 2.0: Wired to the world

Web 2.0: Wired to the world

Blogs: The 'write' debatePosted by Meghna Saraswat on 1.5.2007
Ask a traditional journalist what blogs are all about and you are most likely to hear voices of contempt. For old school writers, blogosphere qualifies for a space for failed writers taking refuge under a series of posts scribbled in the form of a diary on a webpage. Devoid of any kind of journalistic training, bloggers churn out no more than a heady cocktail of high voltage facts and fiction- something on the lines of 'organised gossip'. But for those who view blogs as the greatest breakthrough in popular journalism, the argument may be very different. Bloggers are known to be reckless and the least submissive to a sustained narrative or analysis. And thus it would be a sweeping assumption to say that these new age writers are wannabe journalists, out to replace mainstream media. This rather revolutionary branch of the fourth estate instead provides a mechanism for instant comment and opinion. The snobbery towards bloggery reflects upon a pseudo intellectual prejudice, one that believes that free speech is limited to journalists alone. It is this intolerance for a diversity of opinion that reflects upon a dangerous trend. The popularity of blogs remains unchallenged, clearly not on account of any journalistic expertise but simply because it distances itself from controlling opinion. Those who've mastered the art of sound editorial judgement may argue that blogs often get reduced to myths in a rather raw and exciting form. Coherence and accuracyBut then coherence, accuracy or balance were never the buzzwords for blogosphere. The online diaries, as some would call them, reflect upon the power and knowledge of the people on the edges, professional ethics and quality control be damned. Bloggers are known to chomp down hard on a story of interest with instant mastery in a bid to initiate a dialogue and the rest is then history. But while a blog may offer its readers a social alternative to political interaction, its linkages with mainstream media cannot be ignored. Without a story to comment on or an editorial to rubbish, they would have little to offer. Serious journalism is labour intensive and to call blogs the face of new age journalism may be a little too premature. There is more weight to journalism than instant reaction and response, a fact endorsed by the best in the field of factual reportage. Journalists are known to measure facts, while bloggers are more akin to prejudices, often feisty and furious. Experts argue that 'pub-style debates', a term coined by the intellectual, can never make for intelligent journalism. But in all fairness, blogs have in the past made attempts at generating a light hearted analysis of some of the most dogmatic issues, packaging it for the reader at large. 'News junkies'The 'news junkies' may not have walked ravaged lands or mastered their grip on reality in the corridor of powers but their views, often overly opinionated, serve as a trigger to an informed debate in a civil society. They introduce fresh voices into national discourse and help build communities of interest. If blogs are trustworthy, people will return to add analysis, insight and commentary. Engaging the audience in the collection and dissemination of news would help crack the walls and evolutionise journalism. Similarly the old media may have something valuable to offer to the young leaders of blogosphere. Accuracy, trustworthiness and credibility are guidelines that even bloggers shouldn't isolate themselves from. For bloggers to achieve the status of trained journalists, their work will have to become more of a product of judgement.The main gripe for bloggers is the constant scrutiny by journalists. For those inviting opinion based on hard facts and a logical viewpoint, insidious accusations can often prove revolting. The society by large is intelligent enough to gauge the authenticity and value of the information fed to them. And if a platform for their voice is what they seek, then so be it. Journalism has evolved with time and is now moving from broadcast to a conversation. In the changing scenario, while genius bloggers, with access to truth and facts, will find their niche, quack bloggers will fade into oblivion in no time.So with reasonable suspicion, lets lower our guards and make way for the live wire, called blogs. In an environment of abundance, a despicable view of blogs may deter the creative process.