Are Bloggers Credible?

This is an interesting question, and one that comes up often concerning discussions within the other media sources when it comes to the blogosphere. One of the first things typically said to diminish the effect of the blog is “oh they aren’t journalists, so they aren’t credible”. To me that unfairly paints the world of blog with a very broad brush.

Stand in line at most grocery stores, look at the numerous print papers with headlines that scream “SHE HAD BIGFOOT’S BABY”, among other interesting selections to chose from. Now, they are part of the media, certainly not considered credible by most of us. The same applies to the blogosphere; we have those who make us shake our heads in disbelief, and those that make us think. In reality the best comparison to a blog would be the pages of opinion in your local newspaper. It is most times our opinion, assisted by links to other forms of media or documentation to make our point pro or con an issue.

So how do you as a reader of blog decide if someone is credible or not? The same way you would determine it in an alternative news source. Is it believable? Are there facts and other links to information there to make the point? Are those sources credible? It rests upon you as the reader just as any other source to determine that. Is there a greater chance to do harm in a blog as opposed to other forms of media? Yes and no. Yes, because of the way so many have access to the internet and how quickly and easily the information can be passed from one person to another. No, in the sense that television and radio have that same ability; even traditional newspapers in most cases have a larger readership than the internet. In addition print sources like newspapers are by and large available on line as well.

An old fable which to me is relevant to this topic: A man starts spreading rumors about another man known to have a good reputation within their small town. The rumor as most grows and is added to with the repeated telling to each person. Eventually the man who was the subject of the rumor becomes hated to the point he leaves the town in shame. Bothered by guilt the rumor monger goes to the local wiseman and asks him what he can do to change what he has done to this innocent man. The wiseman instructs him to take a feather pillow, climb to the top of a near by cliff and rip the pillow open while there, then come back to him. The rumor monger does this, watching the feathers all float on the wind and comes back to the wiseman not understanding how that was supposed to change anything. The wiseman then tells him “Now…..go get every feather back”.

Those of us that care about being credible try to make sure the feathers we let float around are as true and accurate as we can make them be. There are examples of the blogs out there that are not credible. Listing them as an example would give them a larger opportunity to spread feathers so I’ve chosen not to link any of them. I will however give you a very good example of a site that is credible. (besides myself of course…a moment of self promotion)

While you may or may not agree with the postings of this site; Robot-Invasion does an excellent job at not only providing commentary but links to facts used to base opinions posted there. There are several people that write on the blog it is not a solo operation as some are. That also adds to the interest of the site as all of them do not share same beliefs. It is a more adult national type blog, as opposed to a local one. In trying to critique with an honest open mind, the only thing I can say I don’t like is the new format, since I preferred the fixed format, however with the addition of a link there for those of us who prefer the fixed format it is not a major complaint. Robot Invasion provides the perfect mix of information, and humor that makes reading it something I look forward to every day.

If you have a blog you’d like to share with me let me know, some of your favorites might end up being one of mine as well.