Discussion Questions
Will the Wickipedia replace the Encyclopedia? Let me rephrase my question. Will “amateur” publication replace historically professional publication? Will the gatekeeper of knowledge and truth allow the “noble amateur replace the experts”? Do they pose a threat? Will we ultimately pay for our democratized media with our time as referenced in page 46?
Do you agree or disagree about the authors POV on Citizen Journalist? Things to consider: Do you think that “the most accurate and objective reports come from professional news reporters who bring high-quality photographs and interviews from key figures? Do citizen Journalist only “spread gossip, sensationalize political scandal, display embarrassing photos of public figures, and link to stories on imaginative topics such as UFO sightings or 9/11 conspiracy theories. Or do citizen writer provide fresh points of view? Do they address issues that mainstream journalist overlook or neglect? What do you thing is the role of the citizen journalist in society with respect to mainstream journalism?
Reading the Background
Which medium do you prefer to receive information? Do you prefer your assignments, syllabus, reading in print or on the web (i.e. blackboard, PDF files, etc)?
After reading this chapter? Do you think paper documents will disappear with time or will they always be essential to the way our society works (i.e. receiving information, transmitting ideas)?
How do you feel about the fluidity of modern communication? Being that we cannot guarantee the immutability of our documents does it pose a threat or concern to the communities and societies involved? Is it something we are concerned about? How much attention do you see given to the changeability of documents on the web?
