I believe that the definition of an “act of journalism” is subjective.    

And I think that your general attitude about the state of our current news journalism industry has a direct correlation to your belief that blogs provide “real news” and can be considered an act of journalism.   

            The older American demographics may still be living in the dark ages of news consumerism.  For example: religiously watching local news and NBC’s Nightly News with Brian Williams, reminiscing on the glory days of Walter Cronkite, and reading the morning print newspaper’s headlines.  This generation still believes in and consumes their news through traditional media outlets.  These citizens are not apt to subscribe to a reader, search political speeches on YouTube, or scroll through their preferred online news site, let alone attempt to access blogs.  They still hold a positive view of traditional media and may not consider blogging true journalism.  

            On the other hand, the younger generations, the Americans who grew up with the technology silver spoon in their mouths, not only distrust the traditional news media outlets, they are familiar and confident with online news and technology.  They would hold a positive view of personal journalism and may consider blogging to be a better news source.  This is reflected in O’Reilly’s Chapter 7, which explains how “the grassroots have emerged, in ways the professional media largely still fail to comprehend, as a genuine force in journalism.” 

            I don’t think that there is any denial that “for the first time in modern history, the user is truly in charge” or that “blogs can be acts of civic engagement.”  (O’Reilly, Chapter 7)   It is just a matter of people’s attitudes toward this form of journalism.  In order to consider blogging an act of journalism, it faces the challenge of trust and participation.  A large number of citizens must gain faith in and actively participate in widespread blogging. 

For now, the answer to our question will remain subjective, based upon attitude and experience with different forms of journalism.  But I do believe that it is just a matter of time for blogging to be considered an act of journalism.

- When do you perceive this widespread paradigm shift to viewing blogging as an act of journalism to begin?   5 years, 10 years, 20 years?  Why did you choose your timeframe? 

- Why do you view blogging as an act of journalism?  Do you think that your response contributes to your generation’s culture?