I

In a recent post, the good folks at Idea Grove panned an ESPN communique that cautioned affiliates on the use of certain blogs - one in particular - as credible news sources. I think they're missing the point.

Granted ESPN may have had other motivations, but to me this is not about Deadspin being an "underground" web site. It's about the increasing practice of media relying on other media - traditional or not - as sources of information - be they credible or not. Plain and simple, it's sloppy, lazy journalism. I am appalled when I see reporters interviewing other reporters on breaking stories, or reporting on unsubstantiated rumours. What happened with going direct to the source, and then getting confirmations from others? Too often, media outlets appear to be sacrificing accuracy for the need to be first (or one of the first) to break news.

Does this mean media should not track blogs for potential news items? Not at all. Should this be construed as an insult to the esteemed writers of Deadspin? I don't think so. It means that if you are a journalist in the mainstream media, you still have to do your homework. The blogosphere may operate under different rules (or really none at all). ESPN's effort to curb this form of journalism should be applauded.

II

Strange that yesterday I included in my post the following lines:

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

Later in the day, Canadian Conservative MP Garth Turner gets booted from the federal Tory caucus in large part, according to media reports, because of his blogging. Not only does this set off a maelstrom of posts within the political blogosphere, it also showcases Garth's use of social media to get his message out to constituents and Canadians alike via his blog and via his MPtv video blog. 

I'm of two minds about this. I understand the importance of confidentiality and "team" as it relates to party politics, and that if you are a member of the team, you should air grievances, and seek solutions and compromise from within the fold rather than outside. Much like in the corporate world, if I bad-mouth my boss in public is it appropriate that I should be let go? 

At the same time, the nature of politics is changing. Demand for transparency and accountability is increasing. Personally, I would expect my MP to use whatever tools he or she has at his/her disposal to keep me informed on the issues important to me, and to the riding that I belong. Maverick though he may have been, and the issue of altered posts aside (though not downplayed), Mr. Turner was a pioneer (in Canada) in the use of social media to keep his constituents informed of what was going on, what it meant, and his position on those issues. Many Canadians have become disenchanted with traditional politics, and feel alienated from it. Let's hope yesterday's action doesn't represent a backward step.