Blogs over Mainstream Media

demopolite · 04-13-2005

I just read an interesting article on Slate about blogs vs. mainstream media and the respective strenths of each:

http://slate.com/id/2116498/

I found the following quote of particular interest:

	Quote:
	If they wanted to, bloggers could poach the local news beat away from the professional media by covering city council and school-board activity that goes undocumented by the mainstream. Greensboro 101, in Greensboro, N.C., has those sorts of ambitions. Likewise, Mark Potts' "hyperlocal" backfence.com hopes to take "reporting" down to the pixel level of neighborhood T-ball games, PTA meetings, and development issues.

And so, my question is, do you think that our dear D-live has or could steal the local news from the local mainstream news media? Should it?

I particularly look forward to the admins thoughts

dave · 04-13-2005

That's a great question DLite. I'll offer my thoughts..

This site has the potential to make all print media obsolete. We've never actually tried to "compete" with anyone because we don't have to. There are several obsticles that would have to be hurdled in order to actually steal the print audience away.

1st- DLive would have to become a source of income. The site is ran by folks that have full-time jobs elsewhere. We depend on good people to submit most news we have to offer. Those working for a paper are getting paid to do what we do for fun. It's tough getting someone to "cover" an event without money involved.

2nd- There's still a taboo when it comes to websites. Tell a person you're from the paper and they'll talk. Tell them you're from a website, and they'll run! The papers will get calls all day with news stories and tips. We have to find our "scoops" on our own. Then there's the privacy issue: Folks as a rule have no problem being quoted in a paper, a website however is a different story.

When we get folks like Stickman and others that will cover news in our area, it's a beautiful thing. We're always looking for folks that can be newshounds for the site. We can't pay you, but we will make you famous

hang_em_high · 04-13-2005

	Quote:	dave
	2nd- There's still a taboo when it comes to websites. Tell a person you're from the paper and they'll talk. Tell them you're from a website, and they'll run! The papers will get calls all day with news stories and tips. We have to find our "scoops" on our own. Then there's the privacy issue: Folks as a rule have no problem being quoted in a paper, a website however is a different story.

I agree with that..... people don't like talking to a website because the internet can't truley be policed, you can go on a website and spread complete and total garbage about someone and law-enforcement can't do anything.... because anything said on the internet is protected by first ammendment rights better than a newspaper or the media whether it be television or radio.

	Quote:	dave
	we will make you famous

I just loved that saying so I thought I would quote it!

Brian · 04-13-2005

	Quote:	janetbyars
	you can go on a website and spread complete and total garbage about someone and law-enforcement can't do anything.... because anything said on the internet is protected by first ammendment rights better than a newspaper or the media whether it be television or radio.

1st Amendment doesn't protect spreading false information for the purposes of defamation. We can't just make a post that says Mr. Smith is a child molester without proof. We could be forced to remove the post at the least, at the most we might face a lawsuit for defamation of character. Now. Posting something as an opinion is another matter.

Course, I've only talked briefly with a lawyer regarding this issue, so I'm not exactly an expert on how the laws exactly would apply.

Needless to say, we do try and cover ourselves as best as possible on the legality of things around here.

demopolite · 04-13-2005

	Quote:
	1st Amendment doesn't protect spreading false information for the purposes of defamation.

Exactly right, Brian. And the Supreme Court has already ruled that an ISP must give up subscriber information if that person is named in a defamation lawsuit. You will be receiving the subpoena shortly, LPL

fleming · 04-13-2005

	Quote:	demopolite
	I just read an interesting article on Slate about blogs vs. mainstream media and the respective strenths of each: http://slate.com/id/2116498/ I found the following quote of particular interest: And so, my question is, do you think that our dear D-live has or could steal the local news from the local mainstream news media? Should it? I particularly look forward to the admins thoughts

At the present I can't offer a solution but I can say that we are not being "informed" by the
"commercial press".

I corresponded by PM with dave about the possibility of posting the city council minutes. From the commercial press we only get a possible "highlight". I realize there is a financial element to this idea and can't give any suggestions as of now. Great idea, Demopolite.