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Close the J Schools?
Posted by Peter Himler 6/16/2005 2:40:32 PM

I strongly believe that the tenets taught in J schools -- most notably unbiased reporting -- remain relevant and highly valuable in the media mix. You're right. There are plenty of citizen journalists who seek balance in their syndicated musings and would be considered strong journalists in their own right. Most don't, however.

Perhaps I continue to be enamored with Jason Robards as Ben Bradlee? Whatever the case, a journalistic calling is still a noble one. Let's see what emerges from the recently announced initiative from a consortium of top J schools.

Trained?
Posted by Mike Gordon 6/14/2005 6:20:58 PM

Pardon me for posting twice in the thread, but I wanted to respond to Peter Himler, who strongly believes that a distinction should be made between people who are "trained as journalists" and mere citizens.

What does "trained as journalists" mean?

I don't think it means anything. A J-school degree, for example, has the same relationship to journalism as a BFA has to artistry. And it's hard to think of anything else resembling "training" that is widespread in the news business, unless you count the school of hard knocks.

Perhaps Mr. Himler meant "experienced" more than "trained" -- but there, too, I have to ask, so what? By now, many popular bloggers have more relevant experience than your typical cub reporter, who, though armed with a professional journalist's credential, in most cases is neither trained nor experienced at much of anything. I know; I used to be one.

Individual publishing
Posted by Paul Heick 6/14/2005 5:12:51 AM

I'd say individual publishing would be the most generic and yet precise term to describe that it in fact is individuals (as opposed to organizations or companies) who are the publishers.

Citizen Media
Posted by Peter Himler 6/13/2005 9:20:45 PM

Steve,

Citizen Journalism in my mind is a misnomer in that it implies that those posting are trained as journalists. I recognize that the lines between the two are blurring, but strongly believe that a distinction should be made. (Forgive me, Dan Gillmor.)

The term Personal Media intrigues, but would one call a corporate blogger or the editor of Gizmodo "personal?"

The most apt description may be a combination of the two or "Citizen Media." It is media created by citizens...like you and me.

Peter Himler
http://theflack.blogspot.com

It's just journalism
Posted by Amy Gahran 6/13/2005 7:13:42 PM

Ultimately, I'm with Mike Gordon on this one. It's all just journalism, and it's most important to be transparent about the source and the process. We'll all get more accomplished if we stop trying to differentiate between 'citizen' and 'pro' journalists, and focusing on common goals and complementary styles/abilities.

After all, no one calls it "telephone-assisted journalism" anymore, do they? In fact, I can't remember the last time I heard the phrase "computer-assisted reporting." The concept of journalism is big enough to encompass a great deal of evolution in tools, practices, and practitioners. That's the big picture here.

- Amy Gahran
Editor, CONTENTIOUS

As opposed to ...
Posted by Mike Gordon 6/13/2005 5:55:54 PM

"Citizen journalism" is a bad label, as it implies that journalists are somehow different from citizens. (Maybe Bob Franken thinks that's true, but I think he'll find himself lonely out on that tree limb.)

"Personal journalism" is probably a more accurate description of the types of content most of its practitioners are creating at this point. But that may not last, especially if it evolves in some of the ways Steve has envisioned.

My suggestion: Just call it "journalism" and identify its source.

After all, what's the difference between an ordinary person and a Professional Journalist? Merely their employer. No degree, credentials, training or, let it be said, unique skills are needed to practice journalism.

Granted, most amateurs don't write or edit as well as pros do -- but some do, and a few of them do it better than most of the pros. They're also turning out to be pretty good at catching errors that get through big-time copy desks. They just don't get paid for it ... yet.

What's in a name?
Posted by Cadmus Sorrell 6/13/2005 5:32:52 PM

I'm new to this site so I'm not sure if this has been used before, but I've taken a liking to "Wedia" being used for Citizen Journalism. I think I first read it on buzzmachine.com

what do we call ourselves?
Posted by paul conley 6/13/2005 5:19:57 PM

Hi Steve,
I sort of like Chris Nolan's term "stand alone journalist." But when people use that phrase, they tend to be describing "professional" journalists who make their living by marketing directly to users. I'm not sure the term is a good description for the majority of bloggers.
Paul Conley

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