Comments on A CAPITOL BLOG: A Valiant Effort

Kimberly, I don't call journalism a profession bec...

2007-01-18T09:24:00.000-06:00

Kimberly, I don't call journalism a profession because it's not one. It's not sad, just true.

A profession has credentials which are enforced by other members of the profession. Journalism doesn't do that. Lawyers can be disbarred, doctors can lose their license. Tell me, please, how journalists as a group regulate themseslves?

Let's not talk about what standards journalism "should have." Lets stick to what standards it DOES have, which is to say, NONE. Or perhaps you could forward me a copy of those standards or "code of ethics," if that's inaccurate? If I asked a lawyer for a copy of they bar rules, there are some. Until you can say the same, journalism isn't remotely a profession. It's a job.

I've been a paid journalist and in '91 even had floor credentials at the Lege (from the Texas Observer) - so why is my writing now less credible to you than when I was in my early twenties with a lot less knowledge and experience?

What you "perceive" as the difference between journalism and blogs, Kimberly, in my opinion was a bogus distinction long before blogs even existed. There is no unbiased journalism, there is no "balance" (because there are never just two sides), and fairness is entirely in the eye of the beholder. What's more, following those traditional journalistic maxims, IMO, has degraded the democratic process and left the public more ignorant than at any time in our history. Christopher Lasch wrote the following in "Journalism, Publicity and the Lost Art of Argument" that explains why I think blogs may ultimately produce better information than journalists:

"Let us begin with a simple proposition: What democracy requires is public debate, not information. Of course it needs information, too, but the kind of information it needs can be generated only by vigorous popular debate. We do not know what we need to know until we ask the right questions, and we can identify the right questions only by subjecting our own ideas about the world to the test of public controversy. Information, usually seen as the precondition of debate, is better understood as its by-product. When we get into arguments that focus and fully engage our attention, we become avid seekers of relevant information. Otherwise we take in information passively -- if we take it in at all."

So by that standard, bloggers with opinions are producing the type of information democracy needs, while paid journalists are producing the kind of stale, milquetoast information product that draws passive readership and keeps advertisers happy, but doesn't promote a vigorous democracy.

The world of information is changing rapidly, and IMO the smug-factor that journalists routinely show toward blogging will cause them many headaches and disappointments in the years ahead.

Maybe you're right, maybe I'm a source, not a journalist. But journalists' info comes from their sources, so I wonder: When folks who need information can go straight to the source, what will they still need journalists for?

I have great respect for Grits. Love to read it. I...

2007-01-17T04:37:00.000-06:00

I have great respect for Grits. Love to read it. It breaks ground as the best lege policy blog in the state. I'm sure Mike Ward reads it just like I do. But are you a journalist? No. (A great source, yes, but not a journalist.)

The fact that you don't respect journalism enough to call it a
profession is a sad sign of the times -- and we would probably agree there are failures within the ranks (even though Dan Rather was right, of course) -- but it doesn't negate what journalism should be, what standards it should have and where the lines are drawn.

Journalists are given a valuable public trust. It's not just a paycheck. It's a tremendous responsibility. I don't know about others, but I never forget that. I know that what we do can have a tremendous impact on the political process, and I respect that power and the people who trust me with it.

If you asked me whether I thought bloggers understood this, I have to say I just don't know. And it scares me to think of the damage that could come with simply not understanding the implications of that.

If we are going to call bloggers journalists, then let them adhere to the codes of ethics and standards that journalists have, obligate them to gather all the facts instead of printing one-sided or unfounded hearsay and make sure they're not working on campaigns or in party offices while covering the Lege.

I don't think, given those parameters, that (some) bloggers would be so eager to be journalists. But, as I did say, I'd be happy to have most bloggers anyplace where I would go, except for the floor of the House or Senate.

Kimberly, I'll stand by what I write on Grits as f...

2007-01-16T11:45:00.000-06:00

Kimberly, I'll stand by what I write on Grits as firmly as any journalist sitting on the House floor, and I probably break more stories. (My hit count meets the minimum, too, btw.)

I can only say I read your comments with greater incredulity after each sentence. Think Rather-Gate. Think of the Statesman's Arnold Garcia concealing stories at the Mayor's request. Think of Daryl Slusher using his Austin Chronicle editor's role to set up his run for city council. Think of plagiarism and made up stories in MANY major papers all the way up to the New York Times.

Sorry, but the mystique of the professional journalist is rightly headed toward an unseemly defenestration, if it isn't already out the window. There's no standardized training for journalists - J-school's a J-O-K-E! As Adina pointed out, the addition of FOX in broadcast has shattered the idea that journalism doesn't contain opinions (they're both forthright about their own and their coverage exposes un-acknowledged ones in the others).

Journalism is not a profession. There are no professional standards or certifications. Anyone with writing chops can do it. And some bloggers do it better than many who consider themselves professionals.

Well, Ross Ramsey and I had this discussion. I thi...

2007-01-15T22:11:00.000-06:00

Well, Ross Ramsey and I had this discussion. I think he said it far better than I, which is that QR and TW and CI are all trade publications that have chosen an online method of delivery. That's not a blog. Or what I would perceive as as blog.

I think I should add that I would have no problem with (many, most) bloggers being in any and all press conferences and press avails. Or at similar events.

Well, Ross Ramsey and I had this discussion. I thi...

2007-01-15T22:10:00.000-06:00

I just found this blog and was surprised that I ha...

2007-01-15T14:39:00.000-06:00

I just found this blog and was surprised that I hadn't found it before. I am reading with interest this discussion and I have to commend each of you for your points. I would normally have thought why not have bloggers on the floor? Now I think would I want someone on the floor bugging me just because they happen to be financially supported by an ex or future opponent of mine. I wonder if they would require the bloggers that are anonymous to reveal themselves?

On blogging, I don't think that the standard is op...

2007-01-15T09:17:00.000-06:00

On blogging, I don't think that the standard is opinion. Fox News has a strong bias, and they have privilege to cover events. Nor is there a clear "seriousness" standard. The mainstream media has had plenty of coverage of Nancy Pelosi's clothing, not to mention the deluge of gossip during the Clinton administration.

Kimberly, I agree that those covering news should disclose their interests.

The fact that there is a known distinction is to some extent historical. The Quorum Report publishes on the web, with intra-day reports in reverse chronological order. As far as a visitor from, say, North Carolina could tell, it is a blog.

I would think the MSM would not be real enthusiast...

2007-01-14T15:14:00.000-06:00

I would think the MSM would not be real enthusiastic about bloggers being on the floor. I mean we are bloggers, not professional writers.

Maybe this amendment will encourage them to start acting like it and be a bit more critical of what our elected officials are doing or not doing.

Hell, if it will lower my damn insurance, college, electricty, or gas bill, I'm for doing it!

I could probably go on and on about this point, bu...

2007-01-14T11:29:00.000-06:00

I could probably go on and on about this point, but let me leave it at this: When QR chose to hire writers, Harvey did not go out and hire partisan operatives or political bloggers. (Apologies to Vince, who has been a journalist.) He hired trained journalists who adhere to a particular code of ethics. Most of
the bloggers that would want credentials have one point of view (Democrat) and never bother to apologize for not putting both sides into a blog post. They don't have to. It's not their job to be fair.

Nor do these bloggers feel particularly bothered that they post, say, an attack on AG Greg Abbott without an accompanying disclosure that they serve as David Van Os' campaign manager. No journalist could, or should, ever get away with that.

Also.. I love to read the blogs, but I don't know that I want a rep (or anyone else) subjected to someone on the floor who, day after day, had made a joke at her expense over her fashions or her comments. That's satire. It's great, it has its place, I love to read it, but it's not journalism.

(Sidenote here, too. What is this stupid term "citizen journalists?" Just like people like to say ANYONE can be a teacher... I firmly disagree!... people are now saying ANYONE can be a journalist? Both require real training, either on the job or in the form of a degree. And even then, many reporters are not very good journalists. Of course, I add that this comes from a high school journalism teacher who had to hear that ANYONE could do it. Not.)

Finally, to have partisan operatives on the floor of the House is a very disturbing thought, unless we just want to give every lawmaker a one-fer for someone who might support them. Frankly, I had serious issues that we didn't clear the floor before the speaker vote debate. It calls votes into question, and the outside influence on votes.

On the other hand, we should get wi-fi into the House so bloggers can sit in the gallery and blog to their heart's content.

Thanks Hal,I unfortunately would not be a benefici...

2007-01-14T09:33:50.200-06:00

Thanks Hal,

I unfortunately would not be a beneficiary on the unique visitor requirement either. Oh well, there is always the day job. On the race for speaker, that was and is a tough one. If you knew the outcome of the race, with reasonable certainty, what would you do? It is a tough call made easier by me because I honor my word. I know that may be a lost sentimental value but it is still important to some. It is important to me. I did not seek this job to be a contributor to the misguided trend of uber-partisanship and polarization. As different as we Texans may be there should always be attempts at understanding, compromise and cooperation. My community understands. When my journey ends I will return to my home knowing I did my best and that I honored my values. Thanks for your comments.

Rep:Really nice to see you back. The bone thrown t...

2007-01-13T23:32:00.000-06:00

Rep:

Really nice to see you back. The bone thrown to the bloggers by Rodriquez was huge. I will never be a beneficiary as my unique visitor count doesn't make the minimum unless you count today's stats courtesy of endless keyword searches on "Michelle Manhart".

Spike city.

On Craddick. You called it. I heard about the votes tied to each other and the inevitable defection by one, causing the collapse of a small voting bloc. Keep up the good work for your constituents and I'll see you in the trenches (if they do indeed even appear) during the primaries. If they have the resources to challenge your candidacy, which I doubt, I think your constituents know whose side you are on. Theirs.

Hey Rep,It's good to see you blogging again. I am...

2007-01-13T21:44:32.236-06:00

Hey Rep,

It's good to see you blogging again. I am anxious for the return of your play by play reporting. Have a good weekend and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.