BackLOG

There is something I forgot to readdress. My initial claim that traditional journalism would not die, but would be challenged by blogging is no longer an idea that I maintain. Blogging has gained popularity and goes way beyond just Blogger. It now has spread to MSN Spaces, MySpace.com, and other personalized, free websites.

However, reviewing both polls (see 24/4 “Blogs are…” and 4/5 “This house…”) suggests that blogs are not reliable for news other than personal news and gossip. There are certainly trustworthy bloggers out there – people with the academic and professional credentials commenting on the state of the world, politics, and other current events. But most of us bloggers are just looking for a method of sharing personal stories, pictures, and maintaining an online journal. Personally, I am not looking for fans of my writing. My readers are my family and friends who want to see what I’ve been up to without me crowding their inbox with a mass email.

When it comes to what I read of other bloggers, I only check a few frequently. A few examples of what I read are blogs like my friend G’s. Her mother has brain cancer and G has been able to keep her family and friends up to date on the goings on of the situation. It may seem a bit like a soap opera with all the drama, but it’s real life and we are able to leave her supportive notes after each entry. The writing is therapeutic for her and an outlet for her emotions of anger, confusion, sadness, and the happiness in the silver linings that occasionally appear. I also read someone named LouLou’s page. LouLou is a Moroccan Muslim who lives in Dubai. Sometimes she writes funny stories about work or her new marriage, but occasionally she writes on what it’s like being a Muslim and the political and social ramifications. From her I gain a cultural insight that I’ve yet to have found in my real life. Otherwise, I read a few others for fun stuff like “Gawker” for Hollywood gossip and Nadine Haobsh’s website for girlie stuff like beauty trends. But do I read any for news or political commentary? No. At least, not that I can think of off the top of my head.

A housemate of mine made a good point the other night about the way journalism was heading. He is from Venezuela and we talked about the government regulation of media. He was also my partner in watching “V for Vendetta”. His point wasn’t specific to blogs, though it can definitely be included as it was about censorship. Because laws controlling web content have not been set, nor can be truly enforced, people are free to have their own website, or streaming video or radio show to present their thoughts and views. My friend could choose to protest against his home’s government from the safe distance of Australia; whereas, if he chose to do it from home, he had the potential of being caught and arrested. This idea needs more thought and research about the actual legal consequences, but from snap judgment, I think I agree.

In conclusion, blogs will not challenge traditional journalism, but perhaps it will enhance or provide more understanding of events, cultures, politics, and life in general.
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