Who is more connected…bloggers or journalists?

This is a very interesting topic that I would like to take a closer look at and see if there really is a difference. Jeremiah eludes to the relationship between journalists (old media) and bloggers (new media), but what is really happening? I’m sure some journalists absolutely hate blogging/techmeme and what’s its evolved into. But, truth is, its the NEW media. I check techmeme at least 5 times a day, how often do I go read news articles online…close to never!

Its happening, online users are evolving and the gap between bloggers and journalists is increasing. Instead, these two mediums should connect with each other and become “journoggers” (rebecca’s term). Why don’t journalists talk with bloggers and include them in news? This way, journalists can let out some real facts, instead of filtered media.

At this point, I believe that bloggers ARE more connected than journalists. Before you doubt my statement (if you do), consider the following:

  • Blogging is community-driven: It’s a fact…bloggers are connecting with other bloggers to form a conversation. Conversations drive the blogosphere! Its the back and forth arguments and “pats” on the back that keep blogging interesting and “real.” Nothing is held back, everyone blogger is in for his/her self.
  • Relationships are built: No matter what happens (disagreements or not), relationships are still between as two bloggers converse with each other. In most cases, these relationships carry on to future discussions. But, each person brings their own community and own relationships to the table.
  • Communities grow and grow: As I read other posts and talk about them on my blog, im bringing my community into the discussion. So what do we have now? Now we have my community, plus the original blogger and his community all talking and conversing. We’re left with one BIG community that will continue to grow.
  • We’re a global neighborhood: Shel has become the innovator of this term, but its true. No longer are we having “naked” conversations, now its bigger…its global. Everyone (globally) is talking with each other. It does not matter where you are in the world, nothing stops bloggers from meeting new people
  • Bloggers breathe openness and transparency: I’m sure for 99% of the bloggers out there, this is their oxygen, its their food that keeps them typing along. It’s really what this platform is for…be completely honest, let everything hang out. There’s nothing stopping you and most of the time at least someone out there will feel the same way you do
  • Bloggers are real people who accept both criticism and praise: If you are putting yourself out there and expressing your thoughts, there’s going to be some people who do not agree. Thats ok! Be open about it, stay close to your blogging enemies, it keeps the conversation going…oh and it probably will attract more users too!

I admit that it sounds like I’ve been praising blogging to be some remarkable practice, but its not. It’s rather simple: be honest, be open, engage others, and build relationships.

Should journalists go away? Nope, in fact I believe journalist can become great bloggers, just with some fine tuning of course. There should be no battle between bloggers and journalists, instead…embrace each other for what you offer. Here’s my recommendations on what journalists should do:

  • Use your credibility: Some journalists have far more credibility than bloggers, so why not use it BUT engage the bloggers too! Help us! We’ll help you in the blogosphere
  • Be open to criticism: Despite being criticized, don’t stop what you’re doing! You are doing something revolutionary…it’ll pay off.
  • Stay away from the fluff: Sometimes, I can’t trust everything journalists write (of course not everything bloggers say is right either), but at least other bloggers will clear things up!

Take a look at what other people are saying about journalists and bloggers: