Chapter 7- Blogs are the bet way to broadcast news about important events and give great first-hand accounts of the news. Major newspapers often miss out on newsworthy events. These days, just about anyone can be a journalist, therefor it is becoming increasingly difficult and nearly impossible to exclude the media from events these days. In countries where free speech is not allowed, blogs are very closely regulated by the government. Bloggers can get in serious trouble for writing negative things about the government and other organizations. Also, contrary to popular belief, Wikipedia can be considered a credible source, or and “ideal journalistic tool under the right circumstances.”
Chapter 8-Technology and an increasing dissatisfaction with mass media have created conditions for a new framework. The Internet is used to make numerous connections at once and has replaced many things that never even had to do with the Internet before. For example, musicians do not even have to rent out recording studios anymore, all of that can be done on computers. Basically, Internet tools need to be drop-dead simple or else grassroots journalism will “fizzle” out.
Chapter 9- It has become so easy to manipulate images on the Internet that pretty much any one with basic HTML knowledge can create a “credible” looking website. It is way to easy to be an imposter on the Internet. Businesses create fake and decieving websites all the time. Internet users always have to skeptical. Doctored, a.k.a. edited videos of sporting events and other news events have become the norm for many organizations.
Chapter 10- The law applies to every single aspect of journalism. Those who practice grassroot journalism need to realize this. Even commentors on Internet forums need to be aware of copyright and other media laws. Cheating is so rampant in society. Even if you use the smallest amount of some one else’s work, credit must be given.
Chapter 11- Cookies, which is basically a sweet-sounding name for semi-malicious spy-ware, enable others to see what you are viewing and doing on the Internet. Although cookies essentially are negative, they can sometimes be helpful. Take facebook for example, the column on the side that has suggestion and advertisements are specialized for the user. It would be impossible to create personalized webpages with out the usage of cookies.
Chapter 1- The Internet is the most important communication medium since the printing press. Blogs are not only great news sources, but are also feedback systems because they work off of comments. The collision of journalism and technology is having major consequences for three constituencies; journalists, newsmakers and the audience. We are much better informed today because of the Internet.
