Blogging is beneficial for many reasons. Firstly, it simply allows journalists to practice and master their writing. Secondly, it gets their written work online for readers to access. It also enables the writer to possibly start a following of readers. Another is that writers can utilize the advantages of online multi-media features such as adding audio and videos to their posts. Also a benefit is that there are many blogging websites that writers can access for free, a cost effective way of getting one's written work out to the reader.
Of course, there are negative aspects of blogging as well. Caution needs to be practiced when considering information posted on line. Megan Perras addressed this very issue in her Journalism 2.0 E-Portfolio blog post as she asserts, “There is a lack of accuracy and credibility when one is reading news on the [I]nternet. Research must be done to find out which sites provide news that is correct and trustworthy.” Journalists as well need to do their due diligence before trusting an online source for data as one cannot assume that documents released online (even those said to be “official”) are accurate.
When evaluating information on the Internet one needs to:
- Compare sources between websites and see if the conclusions are well supported.
- Check accuracy by making sure that sources have been appropriately documented and those references are correct.
- Determine the origin of the information being given and consider: Who is the author? What information does it give me about the author?
- Ensure that the information is current and up to date.
- Watch out for bias. Ask: What does this group or person have to gain by posting this information?
- Note if there is excessive advertising. Ensure that the content producers are not just trying to sell you an idea or product.
- Understanding domains help differentiate and weed out sources. For example .edu sites are reliable as they by academic institutions. Network sites on the other hand (.net) should be carefully evaluated, as there is no guarantee that the source is credible.
Despite the cautionary aspects of trusting online contents, blogs are still more beneficial than not. I spoke with Mack Male, a prominent blogger in Edmonton, after the Gaze into the Stars conference at MacEwan University on Saturday, February 6, 2010. He said that the most important advice he gives to people is to start, and write a blog. “I write things that I’m interested about, or that I’m passionate about, and I try and let that interest and passion show through in the writing,” said Male. “I think that’s why people find it interesting, and that’s why people read it.”
External Links (also in copy)
Evaluating information on the internet: virtualchase.com
Mack Male: mastermaq.ca
Internal Links (also in copy)
Megan Perras: Journalism 2.0 E-Portfolio blog post
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