Why Does the NYT need a BLOG?

BlackFive.net ^ | March 03, 2008 | Staff

[jdm]

Let's see if I'm missing something...

NYT has a Baghdad bureau that is supposed to be collecting stories, sending in items to the paper for publishing, whether it's for the print or electronic editions.  So, recently they decided to start up a blog.  Now, here is where I get confused-

I thought blogs (at least, in todays terms) were needed because 'traditional' news sources were  incomplete.  So why would a news 'source' (and I use that term loosely) need a blog?  Why not just add more stories into the mix?  Especially in the electronic edition.  I can see a limit on the printed version- heck, paper is expensive- but, with the near-limitless electronic/web-based version, why not just incorporate it into the 'news'?

What gives me great pause with their new 'blog' (for now, I'm not going to consider it a true blog) is that they won't post a comment unless its 'approved' and completely moderated.  That is, they won't post it until they've censored it...  And, if our USAF brothers are blocking blogs, are they blocking this one?

Here is what I've been putting out there, but they've not allowed it to be put up:

For those seeking the true ground conditions, head over to www dot blackfive dot net.  We've been publishing pieces like this one for years- we've put people in the same places as NYT.  And we all have experience in 'seeing the white elephant'.  While these pieces by the NYT have been good (so far) the MSM cannot be trusted, in total, to bring you 'ground truth'.

If they told the real truth, why would they need a blog?

Mr. Wolf
Iraq- 2003 to 2005

So, again, why do they need a blog?  True, most of the MSM have blog sections on their sites- they cover anything from technology to food to travel, and more.  But, the GWOT is not some 'lifestyle' section, nor is it some avocation looking for kindred spirits who like to read about it.

It's real life.  It's relevant.  And it's 'news'.  So why should the NYT BLOG it?

From the sections I've read so far, the pieces posted have been decent, if not good, overall.  Actually, I'd go so far as to say far, far better than they NORMAL coverage they've had of late.  The comments sections have even been a bit more supportive and less 'blather' than I would have expected.  There are the usual 'blame all the rich white guys' and 'it's all Rove's fault' nuttiness, but the articles themselves have been decent.  I recommend one of the latest postings for the videos there.

Another concern is the 'Shared Items from Other Blogs' link- its not what it seems.  I scanned thru about 6 pages of 'shared blogs' and its the same vitriol again and again- same 'sources', and very very few are truly other blogs- stories from WaPo, WSJ, Yahoo, etc- but only one or two blogs.  While I don't really expect them to be linking to MM or VC, I would expect them to at least be reading Michael Totten, Bill Roggio or Michael Yon at some point.  Or at least following others as the blog from Iraq such as Megan and Pete are doing from Freedom's Watch.  Good or bad, agree or disagree, that's what I'd expect of a 'true blog'.  And their Blogroll link is down (as of this posting).  I don't think Matty-O is losing sleep over getting linked on the NYT blogroll, but the exclusions are as telling as the inclusions.

The NYT piece isn't a true 'blog'.  Not in any way, shape, or form.  Put it on a separate URL/domain, let it run independently of the paper, THEN it's a blog.  Check it out- tell us what you think.

[God luvs America]

bump

[BubbaBasher]

So, again, why do they need a blog?

Simple. So they can say anything they want to without editotial review.

[longtermmemmory]

so the NYT has a “blog” (aka Forum) where they moderate for content which permits only AGREEMENT with the NYT writing meme. Not to be confused with moderating for profanity)

[jack_napier]

I’m no fan of the NYT, but given my experience, I’d say it has more to do with the fact that journalists are obsessed with the blog format, inexplicably.

[irv]

If they told the real truth, why would they need a blog?

I work for a newspaper other than the Times that has also put up what they call blogs. There are several reasons why they have done this. Let's see if I can spell out a few.

• They really know very little about the Internet and have no clue that blogs are a reaction to the inadequacy of the media.
• They see blogs as a cheap and easy way to pretend to include readers in "the news process."
• Their marketing research tells them that young people don't read newspapers but they do read blogs. Therefore, the paper needs a blog to be able to reach that all important young demographic (Think advertising, not circulation).
• It's trendy. Therefore it's important.
• To people who've been working in the newspaper business for decades and who still haven't grasped that the old way of doing things is failing, starting a blog sounds innovative. It's not like anything newspapers have ever done before! See? We're on the cutting edge!
• When you talk to your boss - who knows even less about the Internet than you do - starting a blog sounds like an accomplishment. You've shown that you have the creativity and technical savvy to adapt to the New Order. Bonuses follow.
• How can blogs be a reaction to incompetent media? The media have blogs too! Obviously they aren't rebelling against themselves. That other stuff must just be some weird propaganda put out by disgruntled, right wing fringe elements. Pay no attention to it!

Getting the general idea?

[jdm]

Yes, good summation. Thank you.

[jdm]

When you talk to your boss - who knows even less about the Internet than you do - starting a blog sounds like an accomplishment.

LOL!

[AdaGray]

They’ll grasp at anything to keep the ship from sinking faster. But it’s really too little too late.

[Vlaxo]

Rumer has it that Baghdad bob will be a featured poster for the blog. The blog will help the NY times talk of the horrible conditions and the failures of the mission in Iraq during a time the enemy will shurley try to ramp up the violence to influence American Elections...

And it’s no surprise the NYT is setting up a forum and an outlet to disseminate the daily accomplishments for there allies the Queda and the mahdi....

anyway...

[irv]

As a postscript - I put in my notice today. In 2 weeks, I’ll be making 50% more money working for a company that is NOT part of a doomed industry. Life is good.