Robert Niles of the Online Journalism Review makes a persuasive argument for why journalists should be optimistic about user-generated content. In the process, he nicely lays out what skills journalists bring to the table in the age of new media.
Journalists need not fear the emergence of “user generated content” online as a threat to their jobs. Yes, millions of readers now are finding information online from publications that did not exist a decade ago. But none of that content emerged from empty air. Every original article, blog post, comment and wiki entry online originated from some Internet user, somewhere.
Just think of those users as sources. Who is the ideal person to harness all their information and fashion into organized, relevant information for readers?
You, the experienced journalist — the person who can take 14 pages of notes and sort through them to find the golden nugget that makes a story. Here are some reasons why journalists ought to be the ideal leaders to guide online content communities.
[Continue reading Online Community Leaders]
J-Scranton 