I’m watching a Twitter conversation unfold between PR people, writers, journalists and bloggers. The forum is a hash-tag group called #SocialChat. According to co-host @SocialMichelleR,

we are a weekly chat centered on social media and social media marketing -6:03 PM May 30th, 2011

The other co-host is Digital Always Media business partner Alan K’necht. #SocialChat is a group that meets each Monday night at 9PM eastern. Twitter, for those who aren’t Twetters, gives users the ability to create instant interest groups using the #hash-tag character.

Tonight’s topic (loosely) is, “Do we need Journalists in the age of Social Media”  The title pulls me like a barroom brawler is drawn to a drunken fight in an alleyway. Tonight’s special guest is reporter turned blogger turned Tweeter, @NicWirtz. It’s a fairly free-form discussion forum.

To sum it up:

I think any industry that loses as much of its workforce as journalism has, is in trouble. -7:02 PM May 30th, 2011

The entire #SocialChat for this week can be found below this fold.

Topics for coming weeks can be found at

TY both so much for all your input! I appreciate it. -7:03 PM May 30th, 2011

That’s one way to look at it. I prefer to think both as part of the media. -7:03 PM May 30th, 2011

I’m going to collapse after, I have a terminal case of manflu 🙂 -7:02 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : I think any industry that loses as much of its workforce as journalism has, is in trouble. -7:02 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : If you love the conversation here on , please give us a “like” on facebook -7:02 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : I think any industry that loses as much of its workforce as journalism has, is in trouble. -7:02 PM May 30th, 2011

I think any industry that loses as much of its workforce as journalism has, is in trouble. -7:02 PM May 30th, 2011

If you love the conversation here on , please give us a “like” on facebook -7:02 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : This is the official wrap as we’re at the top of the hour. Feel free to stay on & chat amongst yourselves. Like we could stop U -7:02 PM May 30th, 2011

Thanks for a great -7:01 PM May 30th, 2011

thx everyone – great chat! 🙂 -7:01 PM May 30th, 2011

So what you’re saying is is more of a “learned” skill, & is more indiv. style? -7:01 PM May 30th, 2011

This is the official wrap as we’re at the top of the hour. Feel free to stay on & chat amongst yourselves. Like we could stop U -7:01 PM May 30th, 2011

As many people in have said, too many sources confuses the public. Will they pay for someone to pull that together? -7:01 PM May 30th, 2011

Thanks for an AWESOME . Best ever for me. — all! -7:01 PM May 30th, 2011

As always, if you tweeps want to keep chatting, feel free -7:01 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : Journalism skills are not difficult to pick up in all honesty, perhaps why it is not viewed well. -7:01 PM May 30th, 2011

Interesting. Re: mindset of and . -7:00 PM May 30th, 2011

Curation, aggregation, challenging, the things that people that don’t want to do. So normal service then! -7:00 PM May 30th, 2011

And come back next week when we’ll have someone for Raven Tools talking Metrics and Social Media -7:00 PM May 30th, 2011

Definitely! RT : KUDOS for keeping up with this VERY active chat! You rock, man. -7:00 PM May 30th, 2011

The role of TV & media will become just that ‘reporting on the best work of bloggers’ . .. Curation & Fact checking. -7:00 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : I’ve always thought the main difference between and is mainly mindset. -7:00 PM May 30th, 2011

Journalism skills are not difficult to pick up in all honesty, perhaps why it is not viewed well. -7:00 PM May 30th, 2011

KUDOS for keeping up with this VERY active chat! You rock, man. -7:00 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : Add in contextualisation, curation, some commentary and you’ve got the “standards”. -6:59 PM May 30th, 2011

Based on this chat, it seems like this is the future of newspapers and true reporters: (NOTHING) -6:59 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : After that it’s a question of style, being objective, verifying facts. -6:59 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : First question is should they want to? -6:59 PM May 30th, 2011

I’ve always thought the main difference between and is mainly mindset. -6:59 PM May 30th, 2011

You are now beyond the two minute warning in regulation play 🙂 -6:59 PM May 30th, 2011

And thank the Internet Gods for that. -6:59 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : MY perfect newspapers w/be staffed by PAID bloggers, earning their spot by building readership w/good writing & engagement. -6:59 PM May 30th, 2011

Add in contextualisation, curation, some commentary and you’ve got the “standards”. -6:58 PM May 30th, 2011

So is that the future for newspapers? Aggregators of tweets & blog posts, etc. -6:58 PM May 30th, 2011

The amount of social media focused around courting journalists and traditional press coverage is staggering. -6:58 PM May 30th, 2011

After that it’s a question of style, being objective, verifying facts. -6:58 PM May 30th, 2011

First question is should they want to? -6:57 PM May 30th, 2011

Like hoping some1 catches video on their phone’s crappy camera RT : I guess Deep Throat would have just… -6:57 PM May 30th, 2011

Good point, but non-traditional journalism exposed Iraq abuses -6:57 PM May 30th, 2011

But without TV & Radio to report on Wikileaks and give them free press would have known about them? -6:56 PM May 30th, 2011

Got a point RT : I guess Deep Throat would have just but up a blog & tweeted it. But who would have listened? -6:56 PM May 30th, 2011

New IP laws seem to want to keep the old methods not new tech. -6:56 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : LOL RT : I guess Deep Throat would have just put up a blog & tweeted it. But who would have listened? -6:56 PM May 30th, 2011

LMAO!!!! RT : EVERYONE would have listened. Via Wikileaks (grin) -6:56 PM May 30th, 2011

In the fiery pits of Google hell. -6:55 PM May 30th, 2011

EVERYONE would have listened. Via Wikileaks (grin) -6:55 PM May 30th, 2011

LOL RT : I guess Deep Throat would have just put up a blog & tweeted it. But who would have listened? -6:55 PM May 30th, 2011

Agreed! RT : , yes but would it be contextualized correctly or easily misdirected? -6:55 PM May 30th, 2011

How can who write on their own hold themselves accountable using standards? -6:55 PM May 30th, 2011

And arguably why we’re losing the ability to critically think. -6:55 PM May 30th, 2011

I guess Deep Throat would have just but up a blog & tweeted it. But who would have listened? -6:55 PM May 30th, 2011

Agreed it’s a cost-cutter, don’t want one person’s view of the game to be the official one. -6:54 PM May 30th, 2011

, yes but would it be contextualized correctly or easily misdirected? -6:54 PM May 30th, 2011

I was also taught “tight, bright and right.” It does have some benefits I concede. -6:54 PM May 30th, 2011

7 minutes to go, so get your last questions in for -6:53 PM May 30th, 2011

Today a story like Watergate would probably break due to an accidental tweet or wikileaks… -6:53 PM May 30th, 2011

My sympathies, it really doesn’t help PR sell a story. -6:53 PM May 30th, 2011

: Still, they were writers taught to investigate. I’m sure a blogger with investigative skills could do it to. -6:53 PM May 30th, 2011

absolutely. We could call it ‘social capitalism’ -6:53 PM May 30th, 2011

Might use it for guidelines on what to call something, don’t use it for how to write. -6:53 PM May 30th, 2011

That is true. RT : Dont think a blogger would have uncovered Watergate. That took real journalists! -6:52 PM May 30th, 2011

again, some of the new might have to wear off before advertisers will embrace new media like they do print & broadcast -6:52 PM May 30th, 2011

Unfortunately, somewhere along the line, newspapers totally lost the whole ‘investigation’ thing. -6:52 PM May 30th, 2011

ha! RT JTDabbagian: Like a great blog rapture where only the strongest, most competent bloggers survive? -6:52 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : Don’t think a blogger would have uncovered Watergate. That took real journalists! -6:52 PM May 30th, 2011

The problem is as orgs seek other payment models, ad numbers continue to fall = vicious cycle. -6:52 PM May 30th, 2011

Don’t think a blogger would have uncovered Watergate. That took real journalists! -6:52 PM May 30th, 2011

They could be like iTunes and charge like, 10 cents an article. After that, you can view it forever. -6:52 PM May 30th, 2011

Yes editorials gave an opinion. Journalist did investigations and reported on it. -6:51 PM May 30th, 2011

If the answer is less than how much it costs to run a news org, we’re not going to have many choices. -6:51 PM May 30th, 2011

Like a great blog rapture where only the strongest, most competent bloggers survive? -6:51 PM May 30th, 2011

Or how much advertisers will pay for all the eyeballs on great content … -6:51 PM May 30th, 2011

pay walls prove that old businesses arent changing their model just trying to fit it in a new space. -6:51 PM May 30th, 2011

And where do the content farms mix in for all of this? -6:50 PM May 30th, 2011

I’d like to see great bloggers and writers get paid good $$$. For that to happen. A lot of mediocrity needs to be eliminated. -6:50 PM May 30th, 2011

4 Sure RT : A5 With a host of new content creators, readers are confused as to what news has become. -6:50 PM May 30th, 2011

A5 The question to throw back out is “How much will the public pay to stay informed?” -6:50 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : good insight. What used to set newspapers apart were the editorials. Today, we call those blog posts too. -6:50 PM May 30th, 2011

A5 With a host of new content creators, readers are confused as to what news has become. -6:50 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : RT : i don’t bother with pay walls. i just go elsewhere for the story Precisely! -6:50 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : Agree, nothing old days where 3 newspapers had 3 different points of view & perspective. -6:49 PM May 30th, 2011

A5 The simple answer is both, if I can block ads why would anyone pay for them? -6:49 PM May 30th, 2011

I’m just curious…how many PURE bloggers (No journalism or PR exp.) knew about AP format before they started blogging? -6:49 PM May 30th, 2011

good insight. What used to set newspapers apart were the editorials. Today, we call those blog posts too. -6:49 PM May 30th, 2011

A5 I’m not sure the public ever really knew what news was worth. -6:49 PM May 30th, 2011

Great point. I really don’t make any $$ myself right now. Just starting to get connected. -6:49 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : Downside? journalists may need to begin like bloggers: unpaid. They need to build their own reputation & following to earn $$. -6:48 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : Agree, nothing old days where 3 newspapers had 3 different points of view & perspective. -6:48 PM May 30th, 2011

Agree, nothing old days where 3 newspapers had 3 different points of view & perspective. -6:48 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : i don’t bother with pay walls. i just go elsewhere for the story Precisely! -6:48 PM May 30th, 2011

Downside? journalists may need to begin like bloggers: unpaid. They need to build their own reputation & following to earn $$. -6:48 PM May 30th, 2011

tbf with the NYT at least they didn’t go hard paywall like the Murdoch papers. -6:48 PM May 30th, 2011

That’s more laziness than anything. Why cover a faraway sports even when AP will do it for you. -6:47 PM May 30th, 2011

Hmm I think it’s both. is often sold to public as “breaking news, but we must weed it out ourselves -6:47 PM May 30th, 2011

Journalism – “You want the truth? You can’t handle the truth!” coming to mind there -6:47 PM May 30th, 2011

The real problem is the discrepancy between what it costs to create a story and what it is worth… -6:47 PM May 30th, 2011

except when they get hacked. Can we say “tupac alive in new zealand” -6:47 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : theres something to be said for consistency. need the rules to break them, etc. 🙂 -6:47 PM May 30th, 2011

How can that be healthy? -6:47 PM May 30th, 2011

Look at sports reports after the baseball has finished tonight. Each major website will carry an AP report. -6:46 PM May 30th, 2011

there’s something to be said for consistency. need the rules to break them, etc. 🙂 -6:46 PM May 30th, 2011

But having a tight writing style certainly doesn’t do any harm. -6:46 PM May 30th, 2011

Get the online version of the AP stylebook for $25, they tend to update A LOT. -6:46 PM May 30th, 2011

Yet once I left university I was encouraged to write “as if you’re talking to mates down the pub”. -6:46 PM May 30th, 2011

yeah but “the paper” is so 80’s & 2 temporally bound, which i think is part of the advantage of SM; & cred is key -6:46 PM May 30th, 2011

i was taught CP and AP style in my PR courses. we PR folk learn it too. 🙂 -6:46 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : Q5 is the advertising model for news broken or people’s perception of what news/journalism is worth that is broken? -6:46 PM May 30th, 2011

For someone that writes “personally” the AP guide would say my style is wrong. -6:46 PM May 30th, 2011

Agree RT : I think one dominant style guide in an industry is unhealthy, it churns out writing robots. -6:45 PM May 30th, 2011

the AP stylebook is one that I’m planning on picking up for myself soon. -6:45 PM May 30th, 2011

Blogger + newspaper is the sweet spot. Passionate writers. With editors, fact-checking, curation and revenue model. -6:45 PM May 30th, 2011

I think one dominant style guide in an industry is unhealthy, it churns out writing robots. -6:45 PM May 30th, 2011

“Credibility and curation is the ‘paper’s contribution.” –> well said -6:45 PM May 30th, 2011

The AP stylebook is the one journalism students are taught in j-school, the one that even marketing/PR aspire to. -6:44 PM May 30th, 2011

Q5 is the advertising model for news broken or people’s perception of what news/journalism is worth that is broken? -6:44 PM May 30th, 2011

Exactly. RT : so who do you trust? -6:44 PM May 30th, 2011

If they don’t like your blog, why would you want to write for them? cc -6:44 PM May 30th, 2011

Exactly. -6:44 PM May 30th, 2011

That’s why you rely on more than one, and not gamey stuff like Empire Avenue. -6:44 PM May 30th, 2011

Sure. I think that’s the role of the ‘paper.’ Credibility and curation is the ‘paper’s contribution. -6:44 PM May 30th, 2011

Issue with ad revenue, companies will to shell out big $$ for 1/2 page print ad & only want to pay fraction for online -6:43 PM May 30th, 2011

providing background, context, you know…doing the research not just providing opinion (& i know lots do) -6:43 PM May 30th, 2011

so who do you trust? -6:43 PM May 30th, 2011

I dislike any social metric as they are either easily gamed or inaccurate or both. -6:43 PM May 30th, 2011

But if they don’t like your blog, you’re screwed. -6:43 PM May 30th, 2011

I don’t disagree, I’m just saying that with all the blogging going on we still need folks doing their homework &.. -6:42 PM May 30th, 2011

Me! RT : To summarize this chat: If everyone was their own newspaper, who would you trust? -6:42 PM May 30th, 2011

Ad blockers destroy the ad revenue model. -6:42 PM May 30th, 2011

Exactly. The newspaper is the power behind the news. If they don’t like the reporter, there’s others -6:42 PM May 30th, 2011

The problem is some online publications lost up to a third of their ad revenue 2010-11. -6:42 PM May 30th, 2011

Absolutely. Bloggers have value independent of the ‘paper’ they write for. They have more leverage for pay -6:42 PM May 30th, 2011

A4 The finance solution will involve a mix of advertising, possibly paywalls, micropayments. Whatever works. -6:42 PM May 30th, 2011

To summarize this chat: If everyone was their own newspaper, who would you trust? -6:42 PM May 30th, 2011

afraid that includes me at times (can you say runon blog post) 🙂 -6:41 PM May 30th, 2011

Disadvantage; the following may leave when the blogger does. -6:41 PM May 30th, 2011

Bloggers ARE the people. So they represent the people better than STAND-IN Journalists. -6:41 PM May 30th, 2011

Blogging is open to everyone. Its greatest strength, variety of sources/opinions, and its greatest weakness, no quality control -6:41 PM May 30th, 2011

RT :A4 We now have very few sources covering major events . dangerous and a huge opportunity for bloggers. -6:41 PM May 30th, 2011

exactly right -6:41 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : A4 We now have very few sources covering major events which in itself is dangerous and a huge opportunity for bloggers. -6:40 PM May 30th, 2011

I must wholeheartedly disagree with that. I’ve seen a lot of endless blog entries from bloggers. -6:40 PM May 30th, 2011

Still need source 4 analysis RT : Journalists can no longer be the ‘voice of the people’ in an age of blogging. -6:40 PM May 30th, 2011

A4 We now have very few sources covering major events which in itself is dangerous and a huge opportunity for bloggers. -6:40 PM May 30th, 2011

Ugggh not true for me! I usually ramble on longer on my than on any article! -6:40 PM May 30th, 2011

the advantage of leveraging bloggers is they bring a following with them. -6:39 PM May 30th, 2011

A4 I’m not sure the public will pay for news, especially not foreign news which is expensive. -6:39 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : A4 There again, the Daily Mail has a 2.1m daily circulation and 4.7 claimed readership. -6:39 PM May 30th, 2011

They could always do what Demand Media does and farm crap content from crap writers reviewed by crap editors. -6:39 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : The Daily Mail manages to fund a $35m + online edition entirely through online advertising. -6:39 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : Are we sure about that? RT : Bloggers are better at brevity than journalists. Less baggage. -6:39 PM May 30th, 2011

agree. as long as the writers they hire can write and have a compelling voice – papers will get their following -6:39 PM May 30th, 2011

It depends on the blogger RT : Bloggers are better at brevity than journalists. Less baggage. -6:39 PM May 30th, 2011

A4 There again, the Daily Mail has a 2.1m daily circulation and 4.7 claimed readership. -6:39 PM May 30th, 2011

Are we sure about that? RT : Bloggers are better at brevity than journalists. Less baggage. -6:39 PM May 30th, 2011

The Daily Mail manages to fund a $35m + online edition entirely through online advertising. -6:38 PM May 30th, 2011

Bloggers are better at brevity than journalists. Less baggage. -6:38 PM May 30th, 2011

That’s ALWAYS the point! A paper w/o readers = A blog w/o readers = worthless! -6:38 PM May 30th, 2011

i don’t bother with pay walls. i just go elsewhere for the story -6:38 PM May 30th, 2011

If newspapers fact check, edit, and curate — who cares if they get the content from passionate bloggers or j-school grads? -6:37 PM May 30th, 2011

Here’s a link to who’s on the next few -6:37 PM May 30th, 2011

We have our moments of brilliance 😉 cc: -6:37 PM May 30th, 2011

Which again is why the NY Times would work better as a freemium paper. Only the hardcore would need to pay. -6:37 PM May 30th, 2011

A4 In the 90s everyone was trying to build readership, perhaps that is not the principal aim now. -6:37 PM May 30th, 2011

yep RT : AP does one thing right: Brevity. People don’t like long-winded shit. -6:37 PM May 30th, 2011

A4 However, in net 1.0 there was no payment culture and the facilities to do so were inadequate. -6:37 PM May 30th, 2011

There is always next time. 🙂 8pm our time Mondays. cc -6:36 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : It is hard at times to get full, real stories now – if journalism died we’d have to work through SO many sources to get it all. -6:36 PM May 30th, 2011

A4 Hard paywalls cannot work, it still only takes one individual to break a paywall. -6:36 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : AP does one thing right: Brevity. People dont like long-winded shit. -6:36 PM May 30th, 2011

is a great idea. Sorry I haven’t been able to take part so far. Hope to next time around. -6:36 PM May 30th, 2011

A4 We tried paywalls in the 90s, they didn’t work then. Restricting access lowers advertising revenue. -6:36 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : AP does one thing right: Brevity. People dont like long-winded shit. -6:36 PM May 30th, 2011

AP does one thing right: Brevity. People don’t like long-winded shit. -6:35 PM May 30th, 2011

It is hard at times to get full, real stories now – if journalism died we’d have to work through SO many sources to get it all. -6:35 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : Papers should do freemium services – Enough of the good paper for normal stuff, and extra when you need it. -6:35 PM May 30th, 2011

A4 I’m tempted to say if I knew the answer to that I’d be off making it a reality! -6:35 PM May 30th, 2011

Because the AP style is quicker and more lenient than say…MLA or APA formats. -6:35 PM May 30th, 2011

A4 The simple answer is with great difficulty. -6:34 PM May 30th, 2011

Papers should do freemium services – Enough of the good paper for normal stuff, and extra when you need it. -6:34 PM May 30th, 2011

AP-based Newspapers need to fail. They all tell the same story in an age where stories only need to be told once. -6:34 PM May 30th, 2011

Can you expand on the AP hold on journalism? -6:34 PM May 30th, 2011

When everyone refers to the AP stylebook, you have a monopoly, that isn’t good for learning styles. -6:34 PM May 30th, 2011

The same way it’s always survived…adaptation. Many papers base on freemium services. -6:34 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : look at the contrasting answers at I am not a “storyteller”. -6:33 PM May 30th, 2011

The power AP holds over journalism training is something that holds the industry back imo. -6:33 PM May 30th, 2011

blogs already provide best example of journalism in verticle markets ( etc) . -6:33 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : I’d call that responsible blogging -6:33 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : Q4 expansion of social media & ppl not willing to pay for online News how can journalism survive? -6:33 PM May 30th, 2011

Great point, look at the contrasting answers at I am not a “storyteller”. -6:33 PM May 30th, 2011

Do you feel the ‘page view journalism’, rife today, is hurting the role/industry or only the culprits? -6:33 PM May 30th, 2011

fair enough -6:32 PM May 30th, 2011

I’d call that responsible blogging -6:32 PM May 30th, 2011

So they’ve gone from advertisers in print to advertisers online… -6:31 PM May 30th, 2011

What are some of the most destructive paradigms you’d like to see go? -6:31 PM May 30th, 2011

Q4 With expansion of social media & ppl not willing to pay for online News services how can journalism survive? -6:31 PM May 30th, 2011

Yes they can, moreso to people who don’t trust bloggers. -6:31 PM May 30th, 2011

When you lose 15000 jobs in newsrooms in one year, I think fear would be tangible. -6:31 PM May 30th, 2011

Interpr of facts adds reporting of opinion regarding the fact, which is only as good as reputation of reporter. -6:31 PM May 30th, 2011

Good point! At least that’s what I try to do. I even put a disclosure on my site. -6:31 PM May 30th, 2011

And if they can monetise what they produce to earn a living. -6:30 PM May 30th, 2011

Journalists can no longer be the ‘voice of the people’ in an age of blogging. -6:30 PM May 30th, 2011

I’m on the alumni board for my j-school. Hard to let go of old journalism paradigms. Has to be done, tho -6:30 PM May 30th, 2011

Absolutely, although you could argue his reporting got too close to the subject, which is a traditional no-no. -6:30 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : correct, blogs seem to cross PR, Marketing and Journalism in definition? -6:29 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : Problem: the term ‘journalist’ defined by place of employment. Fewer jobs at newspapers doesnt mean less good content. -6:29 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : Everyone can report, not everyone is a journalist. -6:29 PM May 30th, 2011

Problem: the term ‘journalist’ defined by place of employment. Fewer jobs at newspapers doesnt mean less good content. -6:29 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : Important. RT : Everyone can report, not everyone is a journalist. -6:29 PM May 30th, 2011

It’s nice to think that hierarchy will work, interesting point about audience. That could be the future. -6:29 PM May 30th, 2011

I use the word “facts” loosely. Essentially I’m thinking an accurate presentation of the various sides/dimensions -6:29 PM May 30th, 2011

True that! RT : Journalism skills apply to everyone that communicates. Social media exacerbates this. -6:29 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : Journalism skills apply to everyone that communicates. Social media exacerbates this. -6:28 PM May 30th, 2011

Important. RT : Everyone can report, not everyone is a journalist. -6:28 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : Oops, 10% fewer journalists in 2010 than 2009. Fear that the industry is in decline.>>free fall -6:28 PM May 30th, 2011

Journalism skills apply to everyone that communicates. Social media exacerbates this. -6:28 PM May 30th, 2011

To be fair, the data backs up the fear for some. If they’re not adapting and evolving… they’ve justified fear. -6:28 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : MY perfect newspapers w/be staffed by PAID bloggers, earning their spot by building readership w/good writing & engagement. -6:28 PM May 30th, 2011

Interesting convo going on for . I’ll be peeking back in a bit. ; ) -6:28 PM May 30th, 2011

I suppose I’m a reporter then! -6:28 PM May 30th, 2011

I have to wonder if these talented writers are finding homes in the blogosphere -6:27 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : Bloggers need to be responsible and upfront about where they personally stand on the issues they trumpet. -6:27 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : – reporting is covering events and writing what you see. Journalism is working a story. (in my exp) -6:27 PM May 30th, 2011

Everyone can report, not everyone is a journalist. -6:27 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : Bloggers need to be responsible and upfront about where they personally stand on the issues they trumpet. -6:27 PM May 30th, 2011

Oops, 10% fewer journalists in 2010 than 2009. Fear that the industry is in decline. -6:27 PM May 30th, 2011

+1 RT : …role of newspapers is to provide editing (curation) and fact-checking (credibility) to good writers -6:27 PM May 30th, 2011

I don’t believe in something as objective as “the facts”. “Your facts” might not be the same as “my facts” -6:26 PM May 30th, 2011

Absolutely, fear they’re going to lose their jobs – 10 -6:26 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : MY perfect newspapers w/be staffed by PAID bloggers, earning their spot by building readership w/good writing & engagement. -6:26 PM May 30th, 2011

Share a link for the wrap-up? Would love to read it. 🙂 -6:26 PM May 30th, 2011

Bloggers need to be responsible and upfront about where they personally stand on the issues they trumpet. -6:26 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : I read that book too -> RT : Top notch bloggers… = good journalism in my book -6:26 PM May 30th, 2011

How so? RT : Once you start adding…separation from SM is thin at best. -6:26 PM May 30th, 2011

Clearly a difference between reporting the facts vs journalism in Joplin. So do need reporters in the age of twitter -6:26 PM May 30th, 2011

The only true limitation of any social platform is the user. It’s all about how you use it, 140 characters or not. -6:26 PM May 30th, 2011

A3 It just makes curation even more important. -6:25 PM May 30th, 2011

I think the role of newspapers is to provide editing (curation) and fact-checking (credibility) to good writers -6:25 PM May 30th, 2011

hey Mel! wouldn’t be the same without you -6:25 PM May 30th, 2011

A3 With hashtags and through consistent updates it is possible to “live report” through Twitter. -6:25 PM May 30th, 2011

I’m blogging my thoughts about this chat now on our blog Alan. 😉 -6:25 PM May 30th, 2011

What’s your take on importance of objectivity & cause-blogging? -6:25 PM May 30th, 2011

A3 is an emotive post by the reporter explaining his experiences. -6:25 PM May 30th, 2011

finally joining in on this week’s social chat! -6:25 PM May 30th, 2011

I read that book too -> RT : Top notch bloggers… = good journalism in my book -6:25 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : Hi everyone! Want to share ‘s tumbler on using twitter to cover and lessons learned -6:24 PM May 30th, 2011

Once you start adding analysis, an interpretation of facts, separation from SM is thin at best. -6:24 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : Top notch bloggers are well researched & KNOW what they are writing about = good journalism in my book -6:24 PM May 30th, 2011

Hi everyone! Want to share ‘s tumbler on using twitter to cover and lessons learned -6:24 PM May 30th, 2011

Top notch bloggers are well researched & KNOW what they are writing about = good journalism in my book -6:24 PM May 30th, 2011

For those who don’t know he’s the host of Webcology on Webmaster Radio & reports on Internet news 😉 -6:23 PM May 30th, 2011

A3 However, during the events in Joplin, an NYT reporter admitted his best reporting was done on Twitter. -6:23 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : newspapers staffed by PAID bloggers, earning their spot by building readership w/good writing & engagement. -6:23 PM May 30th, 2011

Nice! ~> RT : A3 Reporting news on Twitter is akin to shouting headlines at each other. -6:23 PM May 30th, 2011

There’s far too much confusion over definitions with the advent of so many content creators. -6:22 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : – reporting is covering events and writing what you see. Journalism is working a story. (in my exp) -6:22 PM May 30th, 2011

– reporting is covering events and writing what you see. Journalism is working a story. (in my exp) -6:22 PM May 30th, 2011

MY perfect newspapers w/be staffed by PAID bloggers, earning their spot by building readership w/good writing & engagement. -6:22 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : A3 Reporting news on Twitter is akin to shouting headlines at each other. -6:21 PM May 30th, 2011

For instance the Bin Laden raid, the context of those that witnessed it only came after, through journalism. -6:21 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : A3 Reporting news on Twitter is akin to shouting headlines at each other. -6:21 PM May 30th, 2011

RT +1 : ‘ factual reporting of news w/o analysis’ is transcribing. It’s not journalism. -6:21 PM May 30th, 2011

A3 Reporting news on Twitter is akin to shouting headlines at each other. -6:21 PM May 30th, 2011

A3 The social networker may feel informed as they know what happened but not in context. -6:21 PM May 30th, 2011

Well said. RT : ‘ factual reporting of news w/o analysis’ is transcribing. It’s not journalism. -6:20 PM May 30th, 2011

the tenants of traditional journalist practices certainly apply to social media -6:20 PM May 30th, 2011

Perhaps, but openly exploring a subject and accurately reporting the facts is part of the need/point. -6:20 PM May 30th, 2011

A3 It’s nigh on impossible to give any depth on Twitter. No contextualisation, no quotes. -6:20 PM May 30th, 2011

We get into trouble crossing our verbs with our nouns. A blog is a place, a practice of work, and a style. Danger. -6:20 PM May 30th, 2011

Sidequestion: Is there a difference between reporting and journalism as practices? If so, define? -6:19 PM May 30th, 2011

A3 The funny thing about this is I’m torn between what traditional journalism is and what tools we have now. -6:19 PM May 30th, 2011

Agree RT : factual reporting of news w/o analysis is transcribing. Its not journalism. -6:19 PM May 30th, 2011

AGREE! RT : doesnt excuse not leading a communications industry when you are a communicator though. -6:19 PM May 30th, 2011

Ever feel there is a fear among journalists now that everyone can publish & have their voice heard? -6:19 PM May 30th, 2011

So we’re crossing our verbs and nouns again. Not a bad thing, just glad we’re aware of it. 🙂 -6:19 PM May 30th, 2011

‘ factual reporting of news w/o analysis’ is transcribing. It’s not journalism. -6:18 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : even (scientific) research is not objective… -6:18 PM May 30th, 2011

That doesn’t excuse not leading a communications industry when you are a communicator though. -6:18 PM May 30th, 2011

Q3 simply reporting an event via tiwtter isn’t journalism, so how do you convince ppl who believe otherwise? -6:18 PM May 30th, 2011

Precisely the problem, we’ve never had live feedback before. It scares the traditionalists. -6:18 PM May 30th, 2011

even (scientific) research is not objective… -6:18 PM May 30th, 2011

If you define journalism as the factual reporting of news w/o analysis, I feel we still need it to know what’s REALLY happening. -6:18 PM May 30th, 2011

It also results in the entertainment-biased news agenda we have now. -6:18 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : Id consider this petrifying You could argue its live reporting or were group sharing information. -6:17 PM May 30th, 2011

Hmmm very interesting point! A test in true objectivity, I’m sure. =) -6:17 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : PO: I would HOPE that journalists are on a mission, not hunting a cheque. the same way teachers should be on a mission. -6:17 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : Objective to me: researching facts & not being afraid to publish them when they go against what you set out to prove -6:17 PM May 30th, 2011

Exactly. We’re all part of media. -6:17 PM May 30th, 2011

Journalists, like many others, are used to broadcasting their thoughts without further commentary. -6:17 PM May 30th, 2011

We’re doing what humans do, band together in groups of shared interest. -6:16 PM May 30th, 2011

there are journalists who blog and bloggers who practice journalism. There is poor journalism and poor blogging. -6:16 PM May 30th, 2011

I’d consider this petrifying 🙂 You could argue it’s live reporting or we’re group sharing information. -6:16 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : Objective to me: researching facts & not being afraid to publish them when they go against what you set out to prove -6:16 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : In the effort to entertain, modern journalism too often forgets the importance of accuracy too -6:16 PM May 30th, 2011

could it be that they are not accustomed to the conversation? -6:16 PM May 30th, 2011

If journalists can’t do social media I wonder why they journalists in the first place. -6:15 PM May 30th, 2011

if you write an expose of a big organisation on a blog is it journalism? Of course it is. -6:15 PM May 30th, 2011

Absolutely! –> RT : what journalists should focus on is good judgement. Being neutral or objective is impossible. -6:15 PM May 30th, 2011

PO: I would HOPE that journalists are on a mission, not hunting a cheque. the same way teachers should be on a mission. -6:15 PM May 30th, 2011

I’d agree with Jo White, journalism is communication. So why haven’t journalists taken the lead in social media? -6:15 PM May 30th, 2011

However, what journalists should focus on is good judgement. Being neutral or objective is impossible. -6:15 PM May 30th, 2011

Objective to me: researching facts & not being afraid to publish them when they go against what you set out to prove -6:15 PM May 30th, 2011

Hmm, interesting point… RT : Things only seem objective if you share the same perspective as the writer -6:14 PM May 30th, 2011

I think we all did. Not for the $$ –> RT …I got into the industry with the desire to inform the public. -6:14 PM May 30th, 2011

Then I absolutely agree. But can objectivism (critical thinking with disclosure) exist with passionate expression? -6:14 PM May 30th, 2011

In the effort to entertain, modern journalism too often forgets the importance of accuracy too -6:14 PM May 30th, 2011

There is no such thing as objective journalism. This is no bad thing. It’s just accepting human nature. -6:14 PM May 30th, 2011

Elements of Journalism by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosentiel lists 10 elements of journalism. See -6:14 PM May 30th, 2011

correct, blogs seem to cross PR, Marketing and Journalism in definition? -6:14 PM May 30th, 2011

Things only seem objective if you share the same perspective as the writer -6:14 PM May 30th, 2011

Lots of people argue that blogging is a content type, the way authorship or essay writing is. Agree/not? -6:14 PM May 30th, 2011

Is there even such a thing as *objective* ? Can there be such a thing w/ humans in charge? -6:13 PM May 30th, 2011

Like many aspiring journalists I got into the industry with the desire to inform the public. -6:13 PM May 30th, 2011

by biased journalism, I mean journalism with passion, critical thinking and forethought. ‘unbiased’ is lazy. -6:13 PM May 30th, 2011

Do you mean to ask which blogs are? Journalism or PR? Or did I misunderstand? -6:12 PM May 30th, 2011

Don’t bother about objectivity, it is an illusion… -6:12 PM May 30th, 2011

Totally Agree! RT Personally Im pretty old school about journalism being a report of what goes on in the world. -6:12 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : would you consider this live interview journalism? -6:12 PM May 30th, 2011

however, I accept it’s easier to educate when you’re entertaining! -6:12 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : Journalism should be objective, its role is to inform, educating would be something to aspire to too. -6:12 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : RT : Im not sure why PR would want to consider itself journalism or vice versa. -6:12 PM May 30th, 2011

What journalism does not have to do but this appears to have been lost along the way, is to entertain. -6:12 PM May 30th, 2011

Personally, I’m pretty old school about journalism being a report of what goes on in the world. -6:12 PM May 30th, 2011

Journalism should be objective, its role is to inform, educating would be something to aspire to too. -6:12 PM May 30th, 2011

Hi! Thank you! -6:12 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : Im not sure why PR would want to consider itself journalism or vice versa. -6:12 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : I had exactly the same experience and as journalism degrees were new, was viewed suspiciously by the industry. -6:11 PM May 30th, 2011

Bloggers vs journalists debate shouldn’t be taking place in 2011. You’re defined by the content you produce, not the platform. -6:11 PM May 30th, 2011

I’m not sure why PR would want to consider itself journalism or vice versa. -6:11 PM May 30th, 2011

So jump right in and join us!! -6:11 PM May 30th, 2011

By bias, do you mean financially-influenced, or visibly emotional and expressive? -6:11 PM May 30th, 2011

good point. SM = too much content? POV required today over being objective? -6:11 PM May 30th, 2011

: Seems some blogs gaining credibility for lack of bias as skepticism of trad media for bias grows -6:11 PM May 30th, 2011

would you consider this live interview journalism? -6:10 PM May 30th, 2011

Hi! I’m new to . Would like to join you, though. =) -6:10 PM May 30th, 2011

–> said it well. Unbiased news is an illusion. -6:10 PM May 30th, 2011

Ideally both would be allowed, whether it fits into company policy, I’d say that would be rare. -6:10 PM May 30th, 2011

I –> said it well. Unbiased news is an illusion. -6:10 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : Brand journalism relatively new as an industry, perhaps marketing with a journalism twist? -6:10 PM May 30th, 2011

I had exactly the same experience and as journalism degrees were new, was viewed suspiciously by the industry. -6:10 PM May 30th, 2011

would PR even be considered “journalism” if the aim is promote rather than inform/educate/discuss per se? -6:09 PM May 30th, 2011

I don’t think you should use the term biased, but objective journalism is a myth. Also problematic for educators. -6:09 PM May 30th, 2011

A1: Seems the same question can be asked about blogs – journalism or PR? “Being Objective” is the fine line? -6:09 PM May 30th, 2011

So are you advocating the return to Yellow Journalism aka R. Hearst? -6:09 PM May 30th, 2011

Brand journalism is still relatively new as an industry, perhaps marketing with a journalism twist? -6:09 PM May 30th, 2011

It still aims to give the brand publicity but perhaps in a more honest way than the industry is used to. -6:08 PM May 30th, 2011

Do you mean criticizing the host brand, or praising a competitor? Sometimes one is allowed, the other not. -6:08 PM May 30th, 2011

I think some of the best journalism is biased journalism. traditional journalism is bland. -6:08 PM May 30th, 2011

Brand journalism differs from PR in its writing style, the hopeful lack of spin and objectivity. -6:08 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : A1 PR or brand journalism cn only B tru reporting if its objective. How many companies wld allow that? -6:08 PM May 30th, 2011

Hi don’t just lurk – participate & engage – it’s a lot of fun -6:08 PM May 30th, 2011

Chat about social media, we’re doing “Do we still need journalists?” tonight. -6:07 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : Q1. In my J-School PR students werent viewed as journalists (then). The same school doesnt consider bloggers journalists (now) -6:07 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : A1 Its a .. topical question given that brand journalism is potentially what many reporters end up doing -6:06 PM May 30th, 2011

Since everyone is asking Let’s at this to Q1 – Q2 Could you provide your definition of journalism? -6:06 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : A1 PR or brand journalism can only be true reporting if it is objective. How many companies would allow that? -6:06 PM May 30th, 2011

Very salient. -6:06 PM May 30th, 2011

Q1. In my J-School PR students werent viewed as journalists (then). The same school doesnt consider bloggers journalists (now) -6:06 PM May 30th, 2011

Will probably lurk in for a bit while I have time. Hi all. -6:06 PM May 30th, 2011

I love hearing responses to this! RT : How are we defining journalism today? -6:06 PM May 30th, 2011

A1 PR or brand journalism can only be true reporting if it is objective. How many companies would allow that? -6:06 PM May 30th, 2011

define “brand journalism” ? -6:05 PM May 30th, 2011

shut up Sam!! RT : We’ll get to that question in about 3 minutes – good point -6:05 PM May 30th, 2011

Can you expand on brand journalism vs pr? -6:05 PM May 30th, 2011

A1 It’s a very topical question given that brand journalism is potentially what many reporters end up doing. -6:05 PM May 30th, 2011

We’ll get to that question in about 3 minutes – good point -6:04 PM May 30th, 2011

LOL in other words you’re too verbose for the jocks 😉 -6:04 PM May 30th, 2011

How are we defining journalism today? -6:04 PM May 30th, 2011

I am a reporter too but string too many sentences together for sports journalism 🙂 -6:04 PM May 30th, 2011

we are a weekly chat centered on social media and social media marketing -6:03 PM May 30th, 2011

And jump to to follow -6:03 PM May 30th, 2011

Q1 Do you consider PR journalism actual journalism or is it just coporate PR? -6:03 PM May 30th, 2011

Right back at you -6:03 PM May 30th, 2011

What’s ? -6:03 PM May 30th, 2011

Follow ? check. Follow ? check. Follow ? check. Let’s roll with -6:02 PM May 30th, 2011

Please welcome our guest Journalism graduate with 15 years in online communities -6:02 PM May 30th, 2011

Looking forward to , umm…now. Thought provoking post BTW, -6:02 PM May 30th, 2011

Hello ! Quite ready to talk journalism and social media. 🙂 Bring it on. -6:02 PM May 30th, 2011

Get ready I think position may surprise a few of you. -6:02 PM May 30th, 2011

Hello, especially for you as you asked so nicely 😉 -6:02 PM May 30th, 2011

Is everyone ready for tonight’s topic? Do we need Journalists in the age of Social Media. W/ guest -6:01 PM May 30th, 2011

cool, looking forward to it. hi there . -6:00 PM May 30th, 2011

As we come up to the top of the hour please tweet in and say hello -6:00 PM May 30th, 2011

At the ready for -6:00 PM May 30th, 2011

Hi all. Think we’re going to have a good one. -5:59 PM May 30th, 2011

for those of you new to and I are your co-hosts -5:59 PM May 30th, 2011

Ready and waiting. 🙂 -5:58 PM May 30th, 2011

Welcome think you’re going to have a great time tonight -5:58 PM May 30th, 2011

hey good to meet you! -5:58 PM May 30th, 2011

howdy -5:57 PM May 30th, 2011

Hey we will be starting in about 5 minutes. -5:56 PM May 30th, 2011

Checking in, to – Hi everybody! -5:55 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : While you’re getting all psyched about be sure to check out the web site & Facebook -5:53 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : 15 minutes to with this week’s guest -5:51 PM May 30th, 2011

While you’re getting all psyched about be sure to check out the web site & Facebook -5:47 PM May 30th, 2011

Thanks will try and give it a read before chat sharts -5:45 PM May 30th, 2011

15 minutes to with this week’s guest -5:44 PM May 30th, 2011

20 minutes until the official start of -5:42 PM May 30th, 2011

It’ll be better than going quietly into the night as a profession. -5:39 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : If you’re at a loss with no , come to . We’re discussing if journalists are really wanted? 9 pm EDT. -5:37 PM May 30th, 2011

Wow. Discussing if journalists are really wanted? Gulp. So, should journalists be at ? -5:37 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : If you’re at a loss with no , come to . We’re discussing if journalists are really wanted? 9 pm EDT. -5:34 PM May 30th, 2011

If you’re at a loss with no , come to . We’re discussing if journalists are really wanted? 9 pm EDT. -5:14 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : Just about an hour until – read up here: -5:10 PM May 30th, 2011

Just about an hour until – read up here: via -5:06 PM May 30th, 2011

U might already have read this. Timely for 2night. No Twitter is not a replacement for journalism -4:46 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : Tonight at 9pm EDT (Memorial Day) on ; Do we need Journalists in the age of Social Media?; w/ guest via -3:13 PM May 30th, 2011

Tonight at 9pm EDT (Memorial Day) on ; Do we need Journalists in the age of Social Media?; w/ guest via -3:00 PM May 30th, 2011

Unfortunately, didn’t find this list when I was planning -1:25 PM May 30th, 2011

I”m pretty sure I’ll be there! -1:12 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : Well I hope you join us tonight. It’s going be a great night as usual -1:12 PM May 30th, 2011

here is twitter chat list -12:57 PM May 30th, 2011

RT : Monday night was the only night that worked for me & my co-host. 9pm seem to be the best time slot as well -12:57 PM May 30th, 2011

Monday night was the only night that worked for me & my co-host. 9pm seem to be the best time slot as well -12:53 PM May 30th, 2011

yes a lot of people who come to >>> would love since they keep tweeting our hashtags 😉 -12:02 PM May 30th, 2011

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