Bloggers narrowly dodge federal crackdown

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I know

"I think you know or at least, I hope you know I am no FUDDER this is just real disturbing to me on a lot of levels."

The FUD I was referring to was from your source, not you. I know you believe passionately in what you're arguing. What I have a problem with is people quoting opinion pieces as gospel. Just because the article stated it, that doesn't make it true. You've found a source that agrees with what you believe, and so you accept what it says as the truth.

That's the problem I see with the Internet in general and blogs in particular -- people tend to believe what they see and hear and read. At least with 'traditional' journalists, we have some expectation of professionalism and responsibility -- between the government's regulations and the standards (hopefully) imparted through training and education, we expect journalists to have a measure of objectivity. Not always achieved, true. But with bloggers, how do we determine the level of accuracy and responsibility? How thoroughly has the blogger researched? How much of what is stated as 'fact' is instead opinion? Do we simply 'latch onto' those blogs that espouse what we already believe? How does that further the cause of educating and informing the public?

Again I get back to my original point. If bloggers want the protections afforded to 'traditional' journalists, they must also accept the responsibilities of 'traditional' journalists. If not, bloggers should be treated just like any other citizen.

Now, the issue of whether or not 'regular' citizens should have any restrictions placed on them is kind of a different issue. Do you agree with the restriction the government places on 'traditional' media? Or should newspapers and broadcast news media be completely freed also? Should any media be required (as it is now) to provide equal time for candidates, or should a news channel be able to throw its entire weight behind a single candidate?

Carl Rapson

Posted by: rapson   Posted on: 03/25/05 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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