Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Washington Post's Paul Farhi resorts to generalizations about bloggers that wouldn't make it past any good newspaper editor

I've never met The Washington Post's Paul Farhi, but now that he's waded into the debate about the future of media with his argument that newspapers should charge for online content or keep material off the web and put their emphasis on print, I've been paying a bit of attention to what he's writing.

He's obviously one smart guy. But his latest chat on WashingtonPost.com raises serious questions about his judgment. One thing a good newspaper reporter doesn't do is make sweeping generalizations. So what does Farhi do? Read the following exchange from the chat to hear his view about bloggers.

Re: Bloggers: Why aren't bloggers more interested in helping newspapers make a go of it on-line? If we lose the big newspapers, what will they aggregate and/or comment on? I mean, CakeWrecks will probably still be in business, but anyone whose subject is current events will suffer greatly with no original material to work with.

Paul Farhi: I generally agree with you, although sadly, newspapers have cut back so much that they are providing less and less original material all the time. I can't imagine a world (or an internet) without the raw factual material that newspapers provide every day, but I guess the bloggers don't really care about any of that. They're mostly about themselves and their opinions, with little thought given to where they're getting their basic facts.

Come on, Paul.

Most newspaper newsrooms today are full of bloggers. And there are thousands of bloggers producing original content of value. Let's replace bloggers with the word "Democrats" and see how his thinking sounds. "I guess the Democrats don't really care about any of that. They're mostly about themselves and their opinions." Or how about Jews: "I guess the Jews don't really care about any of that. They're mostly about themselves and their opinions."

I hope I don't need to go any further to show the absurdity of Farhi's assertions about bloggers. Newspaper types aren't going to get anywhere by resorting to the very kind of writing they bemoan on the Internet.

78 comments:

  1. John,

    Got here via your tweet about substituting democrat/republican/jew/black for blogger in this comment and couldn't agree more. Fantastic observation.

    As Farhi reveals himself to be a "bloggist" (am I coining a new term here to describe this unfortunately too common perspective?), he is definitely in need of some introspection that the many in the newsmedia industry need to engage in.

    We all come from the very competitive media business: beating the other network affiliate in the market on the story, or the post/RMN newspaper war, was our way of life. We worried about being scooped or losing ad share and audience to our rivals.

    But we have to get used to a new paradigm where bloggers are concerned. Those bloggers are readers. Can you really win if you think of your customers as competition? Eric Schmidt spelled it out pretty simply earlier this year when he told editors and publishers that you can't "piss off your customers" and expect to stay in business.

    I'm impressed with media operations who are finally getting on board with ideas we discussed years ago, local news sites should embrace local bloggers and find ways to aggregate their content into a network of news and commentary. The link juice helps everyone.

    Where established news sites have failed to enfranchise bloggers is a big place. Dehumanizing them in the way Farhi does is one of the worst ways. But news sites have not found adequate ways to provide incentives for citizens to contribute to them. And that's the first step that needs to happed before even thinking about raising the quality and standards bar.

    On the other hand, Google pioneered a spectacular system for monetizing small content producers and helped foster an environment where anyone can try their hand. This same environment revolutionized liner advertising.

    If newspapers had thought of peer-to-peer advertising systems geared to aggregated local content networks and focused on the platform, things could be very different.

    But we both also know the culture of negative re-enforcement that is inherent in the editorial process and know that culuture had major barriers to becoming one that nurtured community. Instead, the watchdog has turned on its masters.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Today, the media have become so focused on creating reams and gigabytes of content (the more, the better), and finding better ways to protect it as IP, they have lost sight of what it is they really do - deliver content. Meanwhile, new technologies -- new means of delivery -- have come along and eaten the old-media business models for lunch.

    ReplyDelete
  3. "his argument that newspapers should charge for online content or keep material off the web and put their emphasis on print"

    Hey, what a great idea! Have newspapers wed themselves permanently to an incredibly expensive, inefficient distribution system that nobody wants anymore!

    I smell mega profits!

    So what should the industry do for an encore? Throwing wooden shoes at the web servers?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Coming in from Atrios at Eschaton...

    Wow! Here you are. I've been missing the Rocky and your voice in particular. What an absolute delight to find you here. Although, as I think about it, I should not be surprised.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi
    I think about it, I should not be surprised.

    comprar r4 nintendo ds

    ReplyDelete
  6. There is nothing to get surprised. It has been planned for a long time:)
    lyxol

    ReplyDelete
  7. If you die you're completely happy and your soul somewhere lives on. I'm not afraid of dying. Total peace after death, becoming someone else is the best hope I've got.
    - quotes about love
    - snake game
    - chinese food near me
    - panama papers
    - Fancam

    ReplyDelete
  8. This is a really good post. Must admit that you are amongst the best bloggers I have read. Thanks for posting this informative article
    Agen Poker Agen Domino Bandarq

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great Post. I must say you have brilliant writing skills. Keep Sharing such valuable content. Click below links to watch The Walking Dead Season 7 for free!
    The Walking Dead Season 7 Online Free Streaming
    The Walking Dead Season 7 Episode 1 Online Free

    ReplyDelete
  10. Will we be offered an installment occasion and by what method will it work? A few banks and other bond organizations permits a few months where you won't need to pay your month-to-month home bank advance installment. payday loans san-diego

    ReplyDelete
  11. Click below link to watch The Leftovers Season 3 Online
    The Leftovers Season 3 Online

    ReplyDelete
  12. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Call Rajoo Rani to enjoy the best escort experience in Dubai.We offer top class erotic escort services in Dubai and always satisfy our customers. Pick the phone and book a top class services through us.
    Website-http://www.rajjo-rani.com/.
    Pakistani Escorts in Dubai

    ReplyDelete
  14. Call Rajoo Rani to enjoy the best escort experience in Dubai. Rajjo Rani provide Indian Escorts in Dubai.We offer top class erotic escort services in Dubai and always satisfy our customers. Pick the phone and book a top class services through us.

    ReplyDelete
  15. On the off chance that the individual that gets the cash goes bankrupt, the loan specialists obligation won't be released.
    Cash Advance

    ReplyDelete
  16. It can't be focused on enough that taking out a payday credit is not for everyone needing some very late subsidizes. Why? All things considered, so, a payday advance is a transitory answer for a fleeting issue.
    Payday Loans Chicago

    ReplyDelete
  17. We are the company –http://www.unitedcheckcashing.com providing you the best services about unitedcheckcashing within a short period. In USA you may find us everywhere, every city and 24/7. We really love to serve you the best things with 100% satisfactions.
    24 hour check cashing

    ReplyDelete
  18. UNTUK PECINTA TOGEL MANIA. MARI GABUNG YUK SEKARANG JUGA DI KAPAL4D (BANDAR TOGEL ONLINE MENJAMIN KENYAMANAN PEMAIN DALAM BERMAIN)

    Kami Memiliki Promo:
    *Hadiah Bolak-Balik 2D,3D,4D (min pembelian pada line bb 15rb)
    *Bonus New Member Rp. 10.000,-
    *Bonus Setiap Deposit 1% (tanpa batas)
    *Bonus Refferal 1%

    Dengan Diskon & Hadiah Untuk Semua Pasaran:
    *4D : 66% x3000
    *3D : 59% x400
    *2D : 29% x70
    *2DD : 27% x65
    *2DT : 25% x70

    LINE : kapal4d
    WA : +855962200895
    BBM : D8C9D042/D8E09743
    daftar : www.kapalair.com/ref/taurus

    bandar togel
    Agen togel
    togel online
    togel online terpercaya
    buku mimpi togel
    bandar togel terpercaya
    main togel

    ReplyDelete
  19. Lakipoker is Situs Poker Online Bandar Ceme Agent Domino QQ is trusted in indonesia that provides game BandarQ, Poker Online, DominoQQ, Ceme Online, Capsa Arrange Online. Only with a minimum deposit of Rp10.000 you can play all the games in Lakipoker. The Trusted Poker City is one of the Agen Domino QQ IDNs that already have the most advanced high-speed servers and the best account security system. Customer service online for 24 hours to provide the best service for all players in Lakipoker.

    Every member who plays gambling poker domino qq and Bandar Ceme Online will get bonus rolling up to 0.5% which every Thursday will be shared directly into the account ID. In addition we also provide a referral bonus of 20% for anyone who invites other people or friends join to play gambling poker domino QQ on the site Agen Poker Terpercaya.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Kapal4D is bandar togel online in Indonesia providing game of numbers shoot for the most popular market in indonesia. Kapal4d Registration provides the best service with customer service who has experience and ready to serve its member main ( main togel ) 24-hour non-stop togel Ease of Transaction supported by 4 Bank of Indonesia (BCA, BNI, BRI Mandiri). KAPAL4D (bandar togel teraman ) ( bandar togel ) By having a user here who play ( togel online ) can gamble togel ( Agen togel )for the Singapore market ( togel singapore ), Sidney ( togel sydney ), Hongkong ( togel hongkong ). Play Togel Online ( Agen togel )Live in Smartphone or wap version where and anytime.

    ReplyDelete
  21. precisely, you'with reference to definitely clean people simply comment!. Denzel Washington Net Worth

    ReplyDelete
  22. I am happy with your article, Fajartoto think your website is pretty good. Many articles are very useful for everyone. I am sure your website will grow in the future. Fajartoto will always support your website, hopefully more advanced. keep the spirit... thanks

    agen togel terpercaya
    togel online
    bandar togel terpercaya
    bandar togel terbaik
    situs togel online
    situs togel terbesar
    agen togel
    fajartoto
    prediksi sgp
    syair togel hk

    ReplyDelete
  23. Fans of Pretty Little Liars have a new mystery to solve, and this time it involves a murder in the college town of Beacon Heights, where everything is not as perfect as it seems. Featuring the return of series stars Sasha Pieterse and Janel Parrish, the series tells the story of a town of overachievers who are under an intense amount of pressure to succeed. When their high stakes college environment pushes them to a breaking point, someone snaps and kills someone. (Michael Kors Leather Bag Black)

    She also anchored the station's public affairs show, "Focus on South Florida," and contributed a weekly news segment called "Legally Speaking."Prior to that, Sargent was an anchor and reporter with KPRC TV in Houston. During her time in Texas, she and her colleagues won an Emmy Award for their coverage of the deadly West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion. Sargent has also worked in Mobile, Alabama at WPMI TV as the anchor of a legal show and a reporter for the evening newscasts.Sargent graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Journalism degree. (Black Michael Kors Jet Set Purse)

    Coach White Bumble Bee Purse, I didn't really know until about a half hour to an hour later that many people were seeing it. And that was the power of ESPN's social media. It got out there real quick.

    That muscle. The one between my ears. That's the one I use when I'm writing. (Michael Kors Whitney Bag Black And White)Coach Black And White Tote Bag, Here welcome news: You may have inherited your mom slow mo metabolism, but you're not stuck with it. New research shows you can trick your body into burning calories more efficiently, especially if you hit the gym. By strength training just a couple of times a week, for example, you'll reverse 50% of the seemingly inevitable metabolism slow down that comes with age, says Gary Hunter, PhD, a professor of human studies at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

    ReplyDelete
  24. This Halifax man family all got COVID 19. He wake up in the morning with "very routine body aches and cold chills. "My daughter, I think, is still the only child under 10 who tested positive in Nova Scotia."Selfridgechecked their temperatures and watched for symptoms every day, while also trying to put them at ease."I asked them about it.

    Cheap Ray Ban Sunglasses, Why do these things get so little space on media i still wonder. With 24 hours a day news i hear Cheap Jordan Shoes For Sale most of the time about gossip! The plenet and its health and its inhabitants are something deserving a better coverage dont you think? Killer whales: amazing wonderful creatures who deserve to be in the wild. Even a 4 year kid when given the real facts would agree they are unsuitable in any way! Their only fault is that poor souls they are too intelligent {cheap yeezy shoes for sale}.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I am often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information.

    Click Here
    Visit Web
    Support.advancedcustomfields.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. There are some interesting points in time in this article but I don’t know if I see all of them center to heart. There is some validity but I will take hold opinion until I look into it further. Good article, thanks and we want more! Added to FeedBurner as well

    Blocktek.university
    Information
    Click Here

    ReplyDelete
  27. I was very pleased to find this web-site. I wanted to thanks for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.

    Datamodelinginstitute.com
    Information
    Click Here
    Visit Web

    ReplyDelete
  28. This is the right blog for anyone who wants to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Gretuff, just great!

    Yogyakarta
    DJogja.com
    Jogja

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hatchet Backpack 15" Black. Made of 600 denier polyester, this travel backpack is sturdy and weather resistant. A 35 year old newlywed Carabinieri officer, Mario Rega, was stabbed to death on a Rome street early Friday morning. The Carabinieri said their factorycoachbagsale investigation reveals that shortly before the murder, the two young men stole a backpack from an Italian man, and then threatened him during a phone call that they would not return the backpack unless they were given 100 euros and a gram of cocaine.. Hobica did cop to taking his click here dirty clothes to a self laundry ("There's always a laundry near the hotel") instead of using maxclearanceshoes hotel services, which can be expensive. DiScala said he makes about 100 trips a year and checks bags only two or three times. Reception were very helpful when we had a problem and sorted it immediately. THE ENTERTAINMENT: as a professional actor I felt hugely sorry for these guys. Cheap Fake Yeezys The 2019 Alabama Bass Trail (ABT) Southern Division got underway on eastbay.com Lake Martin out of Wind Creek State Park near Alexander City last weekend with a full field of 225 boats and 450 anglers. Top rods were John Pollard and Dallas Weldon, who weighed 17.63 pounds of bass for the win and the $10,000 first prize. The winner faces Republican Brent Bailey, who beat Nic Lott in his party's primary. Among incumbents seeking to retain their seats include Sen.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I’m impressed, I must say. Really rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. Your idea is outstanding; the issue is something that not enough people are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I stumbled across this in my search for something relating to this.

    Kedcorp.org
    Information
    Click Here
    Visit Web

    ReplyDelete
  31. I am happy after visited this site. It contains valuable data for the guests. Much thanks to you!
    PC Software Download
    Express VPN Crack
    Fabian Mazur Free Crack
    FotoJet Photo Editor Crack

    ReplyDelete
  32. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete