Traditional Journalism and Blogs

Web-based journalism is often discussed as an entirely separate sphere from traditional print-based journalism. In particular, blogging and other web-based citizen-based reporting is sometimes seen as less credible, perhaps due to the lack of an editorial filter. Some argue that the line between the two spheres is blurring. Mark Glaser gives this quiz:

How indistinguishable are large independent blogs and traditional media sites? Take the following quiz:

1. Who won a recent Polk Award for investigative journalism, a blogger or MSM reporter?
2. Which big New York-based website has four editors and four reporters, and is looking to hire two more reporters -- a blog or traditional media outlet?
3. Which site hired a young blogger fresh out of college? Blog or MSM site?
4. Which site in Silicon Valley edits 80% of stories before being published online? Blog or MSM site?

Answers: 1. Josh Marshall, Talkingpointsmemo blogger; 2. Gawker blog; 3. NYTimes.com, hiring TVNewser's Brian Stelter; 4. GigaOm blog.

Scott Karp calls for journalists to start blogging. Now, thanks to Six Apart, 20-30 recently laid off journalists will be able to start blogging for free. While some believe that this is a gimmick.