In his post On media elitism and the "derivative" myth … Chris Anderson claims “full disclosure, as a member of the Media Elite.” As Conde Nast editor, Chris operates a glossy mainstream magazine, and many of us know him from places such as The Economist. But I think Chris’ blog today shows us far more, and could lead to new conversations between journalists and bloggers.
In his assertion that there could be trouble brewing between bloggers and journalists… Chris quotes Malcolm Gladwell, who said:
"Without the New York Times, there is no blog community. They'd have nothing to blog about."
Chris then said …and I agree … that “This is the Derivative Myth.” Chris supplies numbers that challenge some journalists’ opinions that “Blogs, which are mostly written by amateurs, couldn't possibly do what We Do. Instead, they mostly just comment on what we do, supplying low-value-add chatter about our stories that must not be confused with Proper Journalism or other Quality Content from us Professionals.” Check out his numbers which sink that reality. You can check these out at On media elitism and the "derivative" myth as they are worth a look. I sense there’s more to this growing conflict … even more than numbers which prove a point.
Chris’ conclusion? “I think the only reasonable conclusion to draw from the above is that we in the mainstream media need to get over ourselves.”
Of more interest to me is Chris’ suggestion that there is value in media and value in blogs, while at the same time… media “no longer have a monopoly on leading the public conversation.”
Thanks Chris, it takes courage and a lot of talent to say what you said and support it with facts. No question… money’s still on the side of media and that is why it will take leaders like you at this juncture… to tie up what I think is the real story here.
It would be so easy to see and support war between two competing sides and we all have lots of practice with picking fights. Instead… why not go for a union of sorts?
Certainly not to the extent you have done, but I too have published books and written in well recognized journals… in addition to my blogs at Brain Based Business. Yet I'd love to be part of a thoughtful circle that devises a better plan for peace and mutual prosperity between these two valuable groups. Just think of how such a partnership could turn our sinking economy around … and show world dialogues a better way … all because of their conversations turned to innovative collaboration! You may have just sparked that possibility to show the world that we are good at more than war … and that we can use our heads to value differences. What would such a plan look like to you?
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