Blogs, blogs, blogs.

Here’s a piece from todays New York Times. While the story focuses on sports blogs, the issues raised are germane to the evolution of journalism in general. As journalism is the only profession/business specifically protected in the Constitution, changes here echo out into the culture at large.

Read the piece and respond to the issues raised: Who controls content? Are news organizations promoters or impediments to the free distribution of information? Are professional news organizations the final word on accuracy or do blogs, with their nearly instant vetting of information, allow readers to get the “real” story? If bloggers are getting paid, who is a professional? Do you read blogs? Do you write blogs?

Have at it.

The Alternative Press

I’m really laying it on now. This is an awesome piece from the Washington City Paper.  It is classic alternative press writing – cuss words and everything. This is gritty writing full of punch and attitude. But notice how closely it hews to AP style. And all the exact detail – addresses, etc. It’s all there. Enjoy.

Comment about how the story is structured, the details (again!) and if you think the story is fair.

Talk of the Town

Here’s a recent piece from the Talk of the Town section of the New Yorker. It;s compact, punchy and thoroughly New York. It’s a quick profile of a local character. Notice the detail, the quotes and the speed of the piece.

Comment as you wish but let me know what you think. Does it fit our beloved AP Style? If so, how so? If not, …well you get the idea.

The Best

OK, it’s time to move on to the big leagues. This week we’re going to read a piece from the New Yorker.  It’s a story about the current and future state of newspapers in America written by media writer Eric Alterman.

Yes, it’s a long piece. Yes, it’s a bit on the academic side. But read it anyhow. And read it well. It’s chock full of history, insight and passion.

Tell me what Alterman is saying here. What is his point? And point of view? Can you find a narrative? Is there a story here? Let me know.