Comments on: Not everyone deserves a blog

By: Matt Heckman

Matt Heckman — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 04:18:01 +0000

I want to make it clear that the Matt Heckman that posted is a democrat party hack in the West Reading PA area that was using my name. I frankly consider the Walentis blog leftist trash.

Just wanted to clear that up.

By: pat

pat — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 23:10:27 +0000

Maybe his blog is a fun read, but I'm not sure why it is a blog his employer is hosting. It sounds an awful lot like a personal blog:

"Al Walentis, multimedia projects coordinator for the Reading Eagle, leads a lively and irreverent conversation on world and local events, stuff going on around this site, online trends and the occasional rant."

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a blog like that, but there is a time and a place for everything, and I don't believe a daily newspaper needs to be hosting a blog like that.

I'd consider retracting my statement if it is widely popular. Maybe.

By: Matt Heckman

Matt Heckman — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:33:00 +0000

Al Walentis’ blog is a fun read.

What makes you an authority, Mr. 23-year-old.

By: social media: it’s all relative at Left Behind Bottle Caps

social media: it’s all relative at Left Behind Bottle Caps — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 15:18:39 +0000

[...] I keep finding myself confronted with the same common misconception that everyone has to start implementing social media tools – all of them, in every situation, as soon as possible. The reasoning frequently behind this urgency is as follows “…because everyone else [insert competitor, coworker, classmate or other here] is doing it”. You shouldn’t go around asking everyone and anyone if they want a blog. Blogs aren’t candy. They’re a tool (from the Journalism Iconoclast). [...]

By: The Journalism Iconoclast

The Journalism Iconoclast — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 20:16:43 +0000

[...] 1. You need a good subject and focus. Making a podcast without any guidance is kind of like making a blog without any guidance. [...]

By: contentious.com - links for 2007-10-03

contentious.com - links for 2007-10-03 — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 12:26:48 +0000

[...] The Journalism Iconoclast “Don’t go around asking everyone and anyone if they want a blog. Blogs aren’t candy. They’re a tool. If used properly it can really augment your newspaper’s coverage. A tool if used poorly can dilute your brand & hurt your standing w/ readers.” (tags: blogging hyperlocal journalism media strategy tidbits+fodder) [...]

By: ABC Digital Futures » Blog Archive » Blogging journalists need a clear vision, not permission to write about ‘whatever’

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 04:20:24 +0000

[...] journalism iconoclast says that not everyone deserves a [...]

By: links for 2007-10-01 | James Mitchell

links for 2007-10-01 | James Mitchell — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 20:25:06 +0000

[...] Not everyone deserves a blog Don’t add features like blogs, pod casts, talk back, etc just because you heard other places were using them. Add them because it makes your coverage better in a meaningful way. (tags: journalism blogging hyperlocal newspaper+websites podcasts) [...]

By: pat

pat — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:04:26 +0000

Stewart,

I couldn’t agree more. Blogs, podcasts, vodcasts, etc can all be wonderful tools, but only if done right. I think many managers think that they can attract younger readers and more readers by just adding blogs and other technologies to their sites.

Yes, it is true that people, and a lot of younger people, do like blogs but they like specific blogs that tap into something that is important to them. They like the interaction and knowledge they can get from a well-done blog.

The best part of a blog is the two-way communication, especially when the person writing the blog really knows a particular subject or area well. That’s what managers need to understand.

By: Brief Thoughts on Blogging, and There is a Booger on our TV «

Brief Thoughts on Blogging, and There is a Booger on our TV « — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 16:43:16 +0000

[...] I got to thinking about this more after reading Mindy McAdams post this morning about blogs, and subsequently Pat Thorton’s views. [...]

By: Teaching Online Journalism » How to do blogging right

Teaching Online Journalism » How to do blogging right — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 12:28:46 +0000

[...] Thornton wrote about how some newspapers have taken a poorly thought-out approach to blogs. He offers good examples in contrast to the bad [...]

By: Stewart Kirkpatrick

Stewart Kirkpatrick — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 09:26:13 +0000

Amen. Right across the globe, desperate newspaper (and broadcasting) managers are reacting to fundamental changes by saying “hey, let’s blog” or “hey, let’s do vodcasts” without any idea of what these things mean.