Why Blogs Are Better In the continuing argument "Are Bloggers Journalists?" I usually come down on the "No we aren't" side. To me, journalism implies professional education, certain generally accepted code of ethics, and, most importantly, a regular paycheck that allows a journalist to pursue his craft daily, improving his or her knowledge and sources of information constantly. blogger can be excellent reporters--nothing beats a knowledgeable blogger commenting on his area of expertise-- but reporting and journalism are two different things. Two giant caveats: many smart, thoughtful people disagree with me on this so I might be wrong and bloggers will become increasingly important in keeping journalists honest when those ideal aren't met.
That said, the last few days here at The Agora ought to serve as one case study of the way that blogs interact with the larger, non-blogging culture.
The Agora is a low-traffic blog. On my busiest day, fewer people will read what I have written than would see a bumper-sticker on a car in downtown Chicago. If wanted to, I could lie, slander, and offend, with little chance of suffering any consequences.
I may be a bottom-tier blogger, but I have learned from those who have gone before and who do it better. Like the vast majority of bloggers, I've learned from the best. When I blog, I blog from the shoulders of giants.
Thanks to them, when this small, insignificant Salon blog tussled with a giant corporation with lawyers and Senators in its pocket, it took the high road. The agent of the corporation bullied, threatened, lied and mocked.
The corporation has refused to publish a transcript or post audio of the on-air comments
that sparked the issue. Even though the they claim that the audio would exonerate them.
My posts are as accurate as I can make them. When I discovered errors in my account, I not only notified my readers of the accurate version of events. I also posted the new version as updates to the original post, so that people who don't know me can judge my attempts to be accurate. My archives are open and they include many posts that I wrote in haste and now regret--but I wrote them, and you are free to judge me by them.
The agent of ClearChannel threatened to bring the full force of his corporation's legal department against me if I made the slightest error in quoting, even though he refused to provide with an accurate transcript of his comments. He also threatened to hold me up for ridicule on his popular radio, in effect trashing me reputation in my hometown (though he never did so)
No one has to fear a lawsuit from me. If you disagree with me, go ahead and say so in any manner that you choose. I won't sue for slander. [Important note: that does not apply to ClearChannel or anyone who works for them. Read what military strategists have to say about fighting on your enemy's home territory. The legal system of Toledo is my turf. I have resources and allies here that you know nothing of. Slander or sue me at your own risk.]
I have been honest with my readers, while I have been repeatedly lied to, as evidenced by the e-mails I have posted here.
When I called community leaders in Toledo, not one was surprised that Denny Schaffer made anti-Semitic remarks, not one defended him. 00
When I blogged about a local injustice, other bloggers generously linked to the post. They took time from their concerns to highlight my post, even though not one of them lives within 100 miles of Toledo. The media columnist at my local paper admitted that racist comments at the station were common, but refused to report it, or even investigate. Good politicians, quick to take the winning side of an issue in front of news cameras, didn't answer e-mails or phone calls (US Rep. Marcy Kaptur was a notable exception)
So by my count thats Bloggers: 5 Giant Corporate Scum-bags: 0
9:44:38 AM 
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