Did anyone ever notice what a rich source Twitter is for gathering quotes? It’s almost a quote engine all by itself. It’s tailored to the task in many ways. Take into consideration the following:
Limit of 140 characters is about the perfect length for just about anything.
The large number of users generating original content.
Many of the intelligent conversations generate, interesting and meaningful tweets.
I’m sitting here on a Saturday wondering about the state of media. Old & new, knowing with certainty that the world is changing – not a revelation to most fellow bloggers. The technical abilities are the leveling factor here, of course, with nearly anyone having the ability to publish all forms: text, audio, video.
The most incredible part about blogging is the stunning talent that exists among these “amateurs”. With the wide ranging opinions, perspectives, and knowledge – bloggers have the ability to slam the MSM to the mat.
Old media has more expensive equipment, assigned stories that may or may not be of interest to the journalist, a set publishing schedule, radio broadcasters have developed a method of speaking that can make you laugh, and alienating talking heads that only need to look pretty on a glowing tube. Most important – they all refuse to state their bias. All these are are reasons why they will ultimately fail unless they change. And that of course is where the corporate part of these organizations will take over and correct the incorrect assumptions of the entrenched personalities.
Bloggers, however, are a bit different. It’s true that there is less “professional” equipment being used to produce blogs – but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the quality suffers. The very nature of blogging allows the individual journalist to take interest and passion in topics they write about. Video bloggers can actually be interesting and have a personality. They can be offensive and inflammatory if they choose. They can be themselves. Podcasters can build interesting, informative, creative shows that knock the socks off most traditional broadcast programs.
Moreover, all these forms of new media allow the individual to adapt quickly. There is no set schedule, there are no rules if you don’t want there to be. You can discuss your passionate topic all day long if you like. The story or topic your interested in doesn’t have to come prepared (“canned”) from 3 or 4 sterile processing plants (MSM studios) – sanitized for you protection – in New York.
Bloggers (YOU) are the the future of journalism in the world. It’s your passion, skill, and knowledge that will change the face of media. Also, it’s OK to have a bias – tell people up front and shout your message from the rooftops. Opinions are what makes the world interesting, and are relevant to changing perceptions.
The last few days, I feel like I’ve been trapped in an echo chamber, or time warp. The amount of time that I’ve been spending following the A-List bloggers has gotten me so in a pickle that I’m having problems thinking about new things. I really need to think without some inputs for awhile. There has been a lot of talk the last few days about social media, this product, that service, preferences and opinions. The sum total really got to me this morning and I was probably a tad grumpy to some Twitter Friends who were commenting on a speaker at Gnomedex.
What I really think is at the root of it is that I’m jealous of their ability to toss comments out, and my reluctance to share my opinion. I don’t normally like arguments as I believe them to be more destructive than constructive – that’s just a feeling I have while in the middle of one. My opinion is that open discourse really brings new thoughts and ideas to the surface – which is where I’m at today (so there’s your answer Chris).
What I think is wrong here, is that I’m finally where a number of bloggers have been for quite some time. The A-List echo chamber. There is too much of the same conversation going on and it’s clouding my judgement. In addition, I’m going to go through my RSS feeds in Google Reader with a fine tooth comb to whittle it down to feeds that bring value to me. Then identify the bloggers that I really think are bringing some innovative thoughts & ideas to the conversation. These blogs I will visit directly rather than just their RSS feed.
As I develop these lists, I’ll share them & the OPML of the feeds I end up with for anyone who’s interested.
As governor, the State Capitol will stand for unity and common sense.
In addition to the POW/MIA flag that has long flown over the State Capitol, we will fly two flags when I am governor: the Wisconsin state flag and the American flag.
