Blogging and Journalism

The question of  “Are bloggers journalists?” brings to mind the Andy Kapp comic strip in which Flo and a friend determined that everyone was good for something, even Andy — who was a good “bad example.” Personally I believe that bloggers are people willing to actively share their thoughts, which does not make, or preclude, them from being journalists.

For example when my son Wyatt began searching for a career path he shied away from Computer Science, even though his backside was clearly stamped “Geek” at birth. He explained that he did not want a degree, or career in a “tool” but instead in a field. he likened the computer in Computer Science to a hammer. And he did not want to have a degree in hammer science, but rather to have the skills to be a Carpenter (or some other then still elusive skills for an equally elusive field).

I see blogs in a similar light. Therefore in response to the question “Are bloggers journalists?” I offer the following:

Bloggers do not become Journalists with a capital J just by blogging. But may, or may not, choose to use their blog “tool” in a balanced, fair and articulate manner which may ultimately and rightfully earn them the status, and designation of Journalist.

Is this good or bad? Well, as I see it, it is neither, just merely the way it is, as is the balancing process of life — which continues to tile our life path to come with the materials at hand; often resulting in tiles that do not encourage long term dwelling, but rather prompt forward movement — to prevent sinking.

And as for bloggers having the same rights and protections as newspaper and television reporters, yes absolutely IF they routinely use their “Blog tool” journalisitically, but not if they do not uphold the journalistic standard, after all owning or swinging a hammer does not necessarily make one a carpenter.

Three Blogs worth a visit

Here are three links to blogs that I thought would benefit the creativeness in my fellow beaders as they have for me.

http://www.thethinkingblog.com

This blog is an eclectic mix ultimately designed to make your brain active and happy — both things I strive for when preparing to bead my new creations.

http://www.the-bead-place.com/beading-blog/

This blog is full of beaders sharing their creations and their ideas on what helps them be creative, and more.

http://www.slashfood.com/

There are some great recipes here for the real eaters of the world. A Subclub if you will of the beading world. The blog seems to have both old and new recipes available, so you are not just stuck with being told to open these two cans and mix them together.

Enjoy, and if anybody is brave enough to try the wasp cookies at slashfood, please let us know how it goes.

Introduction

I am the Alaskanbeader, and I am currently taking a course to enhance or, more realistically, create my web communication skills. I have taught for the University of Alaska Fairbanks and its affiliates in various capacities for more than 30 years. Additionally I own the brick and mortar beadstore Pristine’s in Fairbanks, Alaska. The stores website is at http://www.pristinesbeads.com and with approximately 1200 pages of beads, books, and other bead goodies available to you it is well worth a visit. Also available through the website are my most current two bead books Pristine’s Beaded Alive: A Natural Beginning and Pristine’s Beaded Beauties: Wolves, Bats and Other Critters of Travel, both of which are also available through http://www.amazon.com

A third publication of mine Adolescent Transitional Suicide is currently at a national publisher and expected to be on the market in early 2008.

My next research project on Adolescent Suicide is just beginning to emerge and seems to be focusing on 1st and 2nd order change, balance, logic, habit, and social reform issues, so you can see why in my real world I BEAD! — It keeps me, and those around me, in balance.