November 2006 Archives
So You Want to be a J-Blogger?
A journalist is a person who reports on the news through publication or broadcast in an ethical manner. Newspapers, television, and radio journalists all have layers of supervision to serve as a guarantee of journalistic ethics. J-Bloggers do not have access to this system, and there for must police themselves. The American Association of Newspaper Editors supports a very simple code of ethics that can easily be translated into internet terms. By following these simple guidelines in your writing, you too can be a J-Blogger.
RESPONSIBILITY
As a journalist you are responsible to the world at large for shedding light on subjects that deserve to be public knowledge. Yes, this sometimes includes airing dirty laundry, but it also includes giving credit to a job well done. Look for the good as well as the bad in your subjects.
Equally important is know when something does not need to be discussed. As a journalist is it your responsibility to uphold Free Speech and Freedom of the Press, and also to respect a citizen’s Right to Privacy. It is fine line to walk, and falling on the wrong side of it will turn you from serious j-blogger to a gossip columnist or paparazzi.
Be unbiased in your reporting. If you need to rant, leave it in the well labeled editorial section or on your LiveJournal. Journalists tell the story from all perspectives and maintain a professional attitude toward their subject.
ACCURACY
Journalistic accuracy is a two point ethical guidepost. First, everything you publish must be true to the best of your knowledge with sources to back that up. No guessing. No fibbing. No conjecture. No rumor. Be upfront with your sources as well. Whenever possible tell us who exactly said what, and link back to any websites you reference.
Second, if a factual error is made take responsibility for it. Make the correction, post it publicly, and apologize. Knowing that mistakes will result in eating crow will help keep accurate to begin with!
INTEGRITY
As a journalist, web entrepreneur, and human being you may be tempted by the opportunity to turn your j-blog into a money making venture. Advertising is a wonderful way to do that, but remember that advertisers only rent real estate. Your advertisers have no say in what is published on your webpage, and if the advertiser’s material is inappropriate to the publication, you probably have options available for severing the contract.
When you write on a subject you are passionate about, be sure to disclose to your audience that you may be a bit to close to the subject matter and be extra careful to represent the subject fairly. Just as advertisers cannot dictate your spin, neither should you spin things for your own benefit. Journalism is about benefiting the public, not the journalist.
When you make a promise to your readers, keep it. This means posting when you say you will post, and about what you’ve agreed to post about. Be honest and forthright about your sources. Link back to them whenever you can! Never plagiarize.
INDEPENDENCE
Basically, avoid tying yourself to anyone. Do not accept outside gifts from advertisers, research subjects, sources, or anyone one else connected with your blog. If you do, people will find out and it always looks bad. Avoid conflict of interest wherever possible by letting a guest writer cover subjects to which you have personal ties.
Ethical reporting of news is the key to transitioning your blog to a J-Blog. By carefully following these four guideposts of journalistic ethics, you can make a difference in the electronic community and develop a following of readers who will take your work seriously.
Defending and Supporting the J-Blogger
It is the responsibility of all journalists to present the news in an unbiased, ethical way. Sometimes traditional media outlets are unable to be fully unbiased in their presentation of the news due to pressures within the bureaucracy. Television, radio and newspapers are owned, in majority, but non-journalists who try to use the media to express their opinions. As a result, journalists working in these media are sometimes limited by the people who sign their paychecks.
Journalistic bloggers are free from that particular constraint, but are seriously limited in by the common impression that it isn’t possible for a blog to be a journalistic. While I do not claim that all blogs are journalistic, any more than all television, radio, or newspaper content is journalistic, I do believe that blogs can be journalistic and that blog journalists (or j-bloggers) exist.
WHY DO WE NEED J-BLOGGERS?
J-bloggers are free of the constraints that can bind traditional journalists. J-bloggers are either in complete control over their publications or report to a very small editorial staff. This gives them the freedom to pursue and honestly report on events as they see fit, with only their conscious telling them what is worthy of space.
This has given new spontaneity and honesty to journalism that has been lost in other media. J-blogging has reported on significant local events and human interest works, such as the recovery of a neighborhood after a significant accident, in addition to issues of national concern. When all tradition media failed to see the value in reporting on the racist comments of a powerful politician, it was the blog-o-sphere that kept public interest alive until the full details of the situation were released.
The entire spectrum of journalism, including the arts, world news, and sports, can benefit significantly from this honest, fast-paced perspective.
HOW DO WE SUPPORT J-BLOGGERS?
The greatest support for any blog is participation. In most cases, there is a form at the bottom of a blog article for feedback and discussion. Reader participation is encouraged in the medium to gather interest, maintain accuracy and reliability, and generate further leads. Commenting on a blog will inspire others to comment and help garuntee and continuing flow of information.
In most cases, the only revenue a blog generates is through minor advertising. Most of these ads only pay the site owner if a link is clicked, so when you find a j-blog you particularly value, try to click through the ads on the website. In some circumstances a j-bloggers will have a donation button on the site. While it may sit harmless on the menu and never be mentioned, any donations allow a j-blogger to focus more attention on current events and less on the costs of keeping the website operational.
