However, those organisations, from AP to the New York Times, have disgraced themselves repeatedly by publishing deceptive and misleading stories to fit the political agenda of their reporters. Their superior resources are worthless if they simply refuse to tell the truth.

When the old media die, we won’t be missing anything. In fact, the public will be better informed, as a major source of misinformation is removed.

I disclosed that in an earlier post in the AP series. I also wrote about it a fair bit when it started, objecting to the idea of codes of behavior (which didn’t happen). I threw in wtih the group but have had no involvement; not sure there has been much involvement to be had.

Here’s one thing I haven’t yet said: I think an association representing a blogger at that blogger’s request is good. But, of course, it’s impossible for any association to represent all bloggers.

bob wyman

The Rationale
http://tinyurl.com/3f5eqd

The Campaign
http://tinyurl.com/3jcyf

Best,
Alex

The isn’t some passing fad, yes professional honest partisan journalists/publications/media outlets would be preferable but they are few and far between, so get used to it. No one believes your stories anymore.

As a followup to my last item below, this story continues to develop. As such stories will, it has taken on something of a life of its own. In fairness, there are two newer, lengthier posts you ought to read…

Overstated? Not really.

Information sharing - anyplace, anytime - has already replaced “official” news. Note the literal explosion in demand for mobile communications devices.

Here’s more grist for the debate.

http://www.alleyinsider.com/2008/6/the_ap_s_real_problem_isn_t_bloggers_it_s_newspapers
The AP’s Real Problem Isn’t Bloggers: It’s Its Own Newspapers

I think you’ve gone a bit overboard in the black-or-white element. News is changed profoundly, due to the universal, free/cheap distribution system. But it doesn’t mean anyone can do it, at any time, and pass the quality test. It’s a discussion I’ve had with Jeff off and on over the years, and a discussion worth continuing;-)

What you all had were distribution systems. The printing press, the telegraph and radio/television broadcast - are all distribution systems. And you had monopolistic cartels because of the high capital costs to build those systems.

The world wide web has made them all obsolete. The AP was merely a crude “internet” of teleprinters hooked together that shared information.

I say “was” because the Associated Press is out of business. They’ve just not figured it out yet. Information sharing among human animals will continue long after the AP is just a faded memory.