The Battle Between the Blogger and Journalist Community

Are bloggers capable of performing on a journalist level? Are journalists capable of performing on a blogger level? While these two categories present different titles and perhaps different methods of arriving at their works, the fact of the matter remains that both continue to write about the same news and thoughts. Yes, a blogger may be a little more care free or quick to report, but a journalist may not be opinionated enough or quick enough. Who is to say that the "careless" publishing and the "I publish anything because I can" mentalities of bloggers does not create something effective and maybe even better than some journalist works? Today's world is moving faster than ever, and people gain information and produce opinions on their feet. With such technological advances as the Blackberry on the iPhone, people can afford to constantly be on the move even while staying up to date with the current issues of the world. Similarly, the blogging sites of the interent allow people to remain 'with it' in regards to news. Not only are these blogs fast paced, but they more easiliy create something which some journalists are just not capable of; conversation. More or less, blogs are an extended conversation of some sort with people from all around the world. Once a blogger has posted something, anyone, anywhere is capable of commenting or disputing whatever that statement may be. Furthermore, these blogs demonstrate the true opinions of their writers, creating a better understanding of their personal views for their readers. In short, the story-like telling of bloggers and their works allow for people to become more involved in what they are reading about.

By no means do these blogging 'advantages' rule out the success of journalists. Many argue that due to the 'quick to publish' mentalities of bloggers, their works are not as well edited or written or informative. Journalists focus on capturing the best story and the best pieces from that particular story. While bloggers may produce more works: is it edited correctly? is the information valid? is it written well? Ethics. Do bloggers think before they act, or do they simply write down any sort of story that arises. Because of their obsessive behavior of rapid production, many of their works may be riding on the line between acceptable and unethical. Furthermore, a blogger lacks in depth reporting. Credibility is critical to the journalist world. Without credibility, no one will believe your story and some may just not read it at all. A journalist has the great ability to produce an article, as short or as long as it may be, which somehow grasps the attention of the reader on line 1 and is able to maintain that interest throughout the article.

All in all, does anyone truly have the upper hand? Is it simply just preference?