In an article describing his new role at Harvard, Dave Winer fires on the journalistic establishment again, claiming that weblogs are replacing traditional media organizations. Obviously, in a macro sense I agree with him, but I have one major point which I've never seen raised and which tempers my enthusiasm.
Due to their standing and reputation, major news organizations have access privileges that mere mortals don't.
Of the following two phone calls to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. which one has a higher chance of getting through?
Hi, I'm J. Random Luser. I'm working on a piece about Mr. Bush and would like to verify some quotes.
Hi, I'm J. Random Luser with The New York Times. We're working on a piece about Mr. Bush and would like to verify some quotes.
Winer's analysis focuses on extremely public events which require no access privileges. Anyone can watch and report. This breaks down when you need to get into the board room, the locker room, the committee meetings, etc.
Memo to self: hijack NetLogo for large scale multi-agent simulation of media effects