Ryan Jerz :: Reno Blogger, Reno Blog

Fun, conversations, and occasional journalism from Reno, Nevada
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Misc: What's our purpose?

I had the privelege of sitting around a room and discussing journalism with a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist today. It occurred to me at one point, and this is not the first time this has happened, that he didn’t understand blogging. But, to be fair, I’m not sure I do, either.

I see blogging as something I do to reflect. Sometimes I research, sometimes I react, and sometimes (awfully infrequently) I report. A clear, concise definition really doesn’t exist for the term “blogging.” (concise is a very key word here) The reporter wanted to make the case that bloggers sit around and comment on news with their opinions and really don’t do what he does. His exact words were, “Show me.”

And for the most part, he’s right. As it stands, bloggers do little reporting, and a lot of commentary. So my question to all of the readers here is this. What is blogging for? I want to gather up a solid idea of what blogging is, based upon your responses. You can tell me why you do it, why you read them, if I’m right in my assessment of myself, etc. I’ll take good principles out of the comments I get (or emails, if you want to contact me that way) and form a definition that I will use to guide myself from here forward.

If a better model emerges, I’ll use it, but until then, I want this to have a purpose and I want to follow that purpose to attempt to do good work here. Help me.


tags: blogging reporting pulitzer reflection
posted by Ryan Jerz on 08/17/2006

Comments

Laura, Aug 17, 02:42 PM #:

I think that I blog for two reasons mainly. One is to write. I like to write, and this provides an outlet where I can do it every day in a semi-creative way. It gives my inner personal voice (as opposed to my professional voice, which I write with all day) a forum. Second, I like to “meet” new people online and interact in this way that we all understand. I like the intimate readership that I, and most blogs I read, cultivate and enjoy. I like that I can update my friends and perhaps engage new ones based on common ground that we may not have otherwise found.

myrna the minx, Aug 17, 03:42 PM #:

part performance, part entertainment, part commentary, part cultural criticism, part community activist, part journal (personal fulfillment), part community building (I wish this part were bigger but almost no one will take me up on it).

However, there are many very serious blogs out there that do report and report well. David Neiwert is an exceptional example of this.

mrjerz, Aug 17, 10:08 PM #:

Myrna, my only problem with that is it’s not very clear. That’s a whole lot of stuff. And maybe that’s just how it is. Blogging might just be a jumbled mess that means a lot of things to a lot of people. But I want my own definition that is a guideline for my writing from here on out. So I’ll cherrypick from you, if you don’t mind.

Laura, you are basically saying that you do it because you want an outlet and you want to immerse yourself in a certain community while you are online. That’s actually pretty interesting. Community is definitely something that can be brought into this. But to what extent? I don’t know yet.

Have I gotten weird enough for all of you yet? If so, or if not, keep the responses coming.

myrna the minx, Aug 18, 02:37 PM #:

Those are all the reasons I blog though, clear or not ;-)

Laura, Aug 18, 08:49 PM #:

Yes, although not so much an outlet for my thoughts/feelings but an outlet for writing. I don’t like to get too personal.

Eric, Aug 18, 09:11 PM #:

Well, I just started blogging, and it is interesting that you ask this question, because in my first blog, I attempted to write something that somewhat explains why I decided to start (it can be found at: http://elvideo.blogspot.com/2006/08/blogging-bandwagon.html) After re-reading it and putting your question into perspective, I see it as a way for people who often have things in common to communicate with each other, and not in a “myspace” type of way. I know that myspace has blogging, but that seems to me to be more of a social outlet. I don’t plan on blogging for social reasons. Yes, I am assuming that most of my readers are friends or aquantainces, but as a rule of thumb in real life, with real, face to face interactions, we chose people with similar ideals to be friends with. I see blogging as a way to expand one’s thoughts and allow others to agree or disagree with them. W It is almost an online version of AM radio. For example, during his hey-day, Rush was loved and equally loathed by millions for his ideas. I see blogging as a similar outlet, but with an opportunity to be seen and heard by anyone, as often as they wish, and at their own convenience.

Also, it is reaffirming to know that someone is out there listening (reading) to your thoughts. I wonder how many people would continue to blog if they didn’t get any feedback? (So please, everyone give me feedback!)

mrjerz, Aug 18, 11:35 PM #:

Laura, I’ve always looked at you as a “personal” blogger. It’s kind of why I read your site. I want to read blogs of people talking about their lives who have something in common with me, like where we live.

Eric, it’s funny you should say that. While you were commenting, I was writing about fame. That’s why I did it before, but I’m not so sure now. When people start knowing more about you through your blog, it gets a bit weird. I still like that I’m getting more known, but wait until someone talks to you about it.

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