Mashable - The Social Media Guide - Latest Comments in MobLogic Host Lindsay Campbell Arrested

Re: MobLogic Host Lindsay Campbell Arrested

Jesse — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 12:31:46 -0000

There's a bunch here downplaying this as pointless or a publicity stunt. But it demonstrates the high degree of freedom an individual has to make such a radical choice, despite overwhelming opposition, in the pursuit of standing for a greater cause. The next logical step is simply an armed resistance, with "embedded journalists". But until the punishment does not fit the crime, organized protests and planned arrests will suffice.

Re: MobLogic Host Lindsay Campbell Arrested

Lyn — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:37:22 -0000

A pathetic publicity stunt for a worthless cause. Sean Bell was a would-be cop-killer who got what he deserved. As for this "journalist" getting herself arrested while disrupting traffic - just pointless. As for the NYC commuters whose day was made a little longer by this protest - next time it happens get out of your cars and beat the protersters. These Sean Bell supporters need a good kicking.

Re: MobLogic Host Lindsay Campbell Arrested

Niall — Wed, 14 May 2008 06:19:19 -0000

"The fundamental difference here is that those reports are no longer being made to journalists, but the entire world."

A niche social network is not the entire world. Social networks just make the grapevine a bit bigger. It's a fantastic development and one that journalists should use enthusiastically.

However, the idea that people will bypass the media and get their news in future direct from original sources through Facebook or Twitter is fanciful.

Re: MobLogic Host Lindsay Campbell Arrested

Mark "Rizzn" Hopkins — Tue, 13 May 2008 19:19:48 -0000

Rather than reply to each comment here, I'll blanked reply, because you're all saying a lot of the same things.

Yes, participatory journalism and gonzo journalism is a very old concept.

The prevalence and mainstreamification of these concepts is very new. Hence New Media being the label for not only the underlying technologies, but also the methods employed.

As to your comments, Niall, yes, you're right there's always the first reports that come from the sources, but you yourself in your explanation said that those reports are being made to a journalist. The fundamental difference here is that those reports are no longer being made to journalists, but the entire world.

Also, beating the USGS is a very big deal. Those reports are generated by sophisticated machinery, and are largely automated. Humans beating machines with detailed accounts in this case is a fairly big deal.

Re: MobLogic Host Lindsay Campbell Arrested

David — Tue, 13 May 2008 12:42:29 -0000

"So then is it the very next logical step for journalists to drop the final pretense in their position and top [sic] being independent of the story and finally become the story?"

Isn't that what Hunter S. Thompson did when he started "gonzo journalism" 40 years ago?

Re: MobLogic Host Lindsay Campbell Arrested

Niall — Tue, 13 May 2008 10:39:01 -0000

"This weekend, most of the blogosphere noted how quickly the news of the Chinese earthquake broke on Twitter, and according to SEO Journal, beat the geological survey by several minutes."

This is about as startling an observation as noticing that its quicker to make a phone call than it is to file a news report.

"In this case, the news was obviously reported first by those involved in the story, and this trend in first-person reporting is likely not to be a phenomenon that decreases over time."

News is always first reported by those involved in the story, to a journalist who acts as intermediary between source and audience. Twitter's role, and that of social networking technology, in the future of news will be in providing journalists with more sources of information.

The majority of people will not get their news in the future from Twitter et al but will continue to look to news organisations - the traditional gatekeepers of information - who will make use of these tools. Quite simply, most people do not have the time or inclination to commit to social networking services to the same degree as mashable readers. The future of news is not social networking technology, though news organisations will leverage it.

Re: MobLogic Host Lindsay Campbell Arrested

old school — Tue, 13 May 2008 10:11:16 -0000

"It isnâ€™t uncommon for the same business and tech journalists to invest in the companies write about."

The fact that it isn't uncommon doesn't make it right, and plenty of people think they shouldn't be called "journalists" if they do so. I don't think that kind of sleaze should be compared alongside Lindsay's courageous act on MobLogic.

PS, "participatory journalism" is nothing new. Read up on George Plimpton.

Re: MobLogic Host Lindsay Campbell Arrested

Mark "Rizzn" Hopkins — Tue, 13 May 2008 03:52:26 -0000

Probably so, but that was the exception, rather than the rule.

By the very nature the way journalism is being generated, you're far more likely to see the documentarians be part of the story than you are your Action 7 News Team.

Re: MobLogic Host Lindsay Campbell Arrested

mike mcgrath — Tue, 13 May 2008 00:30:53 -0000

Wasn't Dan Rather a participant observer when he was beaten by the Chicago cops during the '68 Democratic Convention? The tools are different, but the journalist was part of the story then and now.