“Citizen journalist” as opposed to “professional journalism”

Daily Times community bloggers being
reminded that we're not journalist

I’m often told to check my facts. I’m accused of being a poor reporter. I’m told to go interview people. 

As much as I try to explain that there is a huge difference between a professional journalist and a novice blogger, I never seem to make the point well enough for folks to understand. 

Today’s editorial in the Daily Times explains it this way.

Many professionals in the field, who have actually studied the craft (of journalism) and practiced it for years, have derided the trend (of citizen journalism). They point out that being able to instantly post a thought or a photo on the Internet is a far cry from journalism. Journalism requires facts to be verified. That’s what gives it credibility. Journalism is not conjecture or speculation or a wild leap of faith. Sometimes reporters and editors make mistakes, but journalism is supposed to be about reality -- objective reality. The phrase “nothing but the facts, ma’am” comes to mind.

Journalism looks hard. I'm going to keep blogging.