My take on the Bloggers vs. Trad Media Thing

First, do bloggers need gatekeepers? Answer, no. By the very nature of blogging as a journal we don't need an editor, unlike those in the mainstream media.

Second, is the lack of a gatekeeper the primary reason why traditional media practitioners don't consider us a part of the media industry? Yes. The statements of some journalists about the lack of gatekeepers are being used to delimit or even marginalize our important part in the information environment.

Third, is the lack of a gatekeeper a justifiable ration d'etre for bloggers not to be classified as true journalists? No. Bloggers are your online opinion-makers, your columnists, your influencers, your 3rd party endorsers even.

Fourth, is the blogsphere media? Yes, the blogsphere is media because it fits with the elements and description of a media outlet, especially since it has its own loyal audience.

Lastly, a blogger who's a bonafide member of the blogsphere, of this New Media, can he be considered a journalist? Yes. A journalist is one who professionally writes on what's happening in an outlet, either print or electronic media.

If a blogger, for example, writes due to his passion, can he then be classified as a journalist? Some would say, no, because he's not being paid to write articles for a living. Point to me a journalist that is not paid to write by his publication or a network. So, is a passionate foodie blogger or a tech blogger who writes for free and is not paid, will he be considered a journalist?

Yes, by all means, yes. Why? Because the money aspect is irrelevant. A blogger, like a journalist, is a writer. Whether he writes for money or his passion is irrelevant. A blogger has an outlet to express his thoughts, his observations, like a journalist.

So, those who castigate and belittle the blogger, think again. The blogger is the newest evolution of the journalist. He is the latest version of your everyday journalist. He writes because he loves writing. He observes because he loves to express what he feels, what he sees, what he hears. He's not only a citizen journalist.

In fact, the blogger is more than your ordinary journalist.

A blogger is your purest journalist because he writes without compromise. He is the purest of the pure. He competes with himself and does not write due to profit. No.

The blogger is your true journalist.