A writer who writes and maintains a blog is a blogger and the journal that he makes available on the web is a blog. Most blogs are like personal diaries with material appearing in chronological order. The blog is also a forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions as the reader can, in turn, if he wishes to write his own comments to the blog. This innovation to personal expression has its own lexicon and is fast emerging as a new way of communication.
Since its inception in around 1994, blogging has evolved from being personal views and diaries to news and commentary blogs. The question is are blogs just random thoughts and personal expressions or are they similar to well-sourced traditional journalism?
Blogs straddle two worlds of talk shows be it radio or television and reporting. Just as SMS made clear inroads into the evolution of language, blogging is set to revolutionize journalism. What blogging brings to the fore is unfettered freedom of expression. The writers give flight to their inner voice and just as medieval writers of the periods of revolution did, a state in no uncertain terms what they perceive as facts. More often than not, the information is not contained by editors or political affiliations, or the patronage of people in power.
Blogging has caught the imagination of the young and old and established writers, lawyers, techies, and other professionals using the avenue to “spread their thoughts and words.” Blogging is on the fast track and has established a place in “opinion journalism.” It is seen by many to be a form of self-declared independence.
With blogging all you need to do is convert your musings or fire and brimstone into a pdf file and upload it for all interested to view. Gone are the days when you had to knock on the doors of editors and publishers to get your work published. And, if your blog is popular you could attract millions of readers each day.
Concerns serious journalists have that blogs can be biased opinions and contain inaccurate information. Yet blogs contain skeptical analysis, critical commentary, and alternative perspectives that are rarely exposed by mainstream journalism. Very often in situations of unrest and war it is blogs that bring to life personal, colorful, and first-hand experiences. Not all blogs are random thoughts, and writers often provide sources and links so that readers can verify facts. Surprisingly today often breaking news can be found on blogs earlier than in traditional media. And many bloggers have established for themselves a great standing in their field.
Blogging according to lawmakers needs to address closely aspects of trust, credibility, integrity, transparency, and ethics. Many bloggers feel that the very basis is: disclose all pertinent information and never to state as fact anything but the truth; provide links to facts that are present online; publicly correct misinformation; note questionable and biased sources and opinions. Freedom must be savored and not misused.
Web blogs according to experts are all set to outrank the New York Times website by 2007. Blogging, the creation of pure love for writing and opinions, is all set to establish new trends in journalism. It gives wing to the freedom of thought and the written word.
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