A poster on yesterday's questioned whether blogs serve a useful purpose.
I understand that with all the negativity and insanity that gets posted on here. Even while i was gone the blog seemed to have a life of its own.
But I guess it does keep some people off the streets, which might be good.
There are days that I want to quit. Other days its more fun.
Im not totally sure of what the purpose of blogs are. We keep developing technology, and at times it develops faster than we know how to use it.
It is a whole new world.
Now anyone can call themselves a journalist and put up a blog or even a web site without much effort at all.
Way back in the early days of what we now call journalism, there was a similar situation going on.
The printing press had been developed and people were starting to have disposable income, so the "penny press" was born. That meant just about anyone with some money could put out a paper. There were no rules. Once they figured out distribution, huge daily papes were born.
There were as many as 10 daily papers in New York in the mid 1800s.
It was pretty wild in London, New York, Philadelphia etc., in the early 1800s. Its where yellow journalism got started. Its also where libel laws got started. Finally it straightened itself out. Most journalists now at least try to be objective and fair to both sides. Actually thats a new idea in journalism, and i fear one that is fading away. In the late 1800s and early 1900s the only reason to start a paper was to push a cause - or a political party - or an issue. That went away for about 50 years, but its coming back unfortunately.
I think now we are in a new age of yellow journalism.
Web sites and blogs are the new media, and we are still figuring out how to use it.
Someday there wont be paper papers anymore.
I dont think people realize that the Traveler is actually ahead of the curve in this area.
Most papers our size don't have the quality of web site that we have, let alone blogs and such where readers can interact so well. Our site was judged best in the state in our size category last year.
Just take a look at some other newspaper web sites around the area.
But anyway, I sound like Foss talking all this history. :)
My point is, we are at a new age of discovery and development. The definition of journalism is changing.
The powers that be - governing authorities etc., - are aghast that just anyone can post something - anonymously even - and it doesn't have to be true. no accountability.
I would imagine that 150 years ago the authorities were aghast that just anyone could put up a printing press and print whatever he chose about them. Even anonymously. No accountability, or not much anyway.
So I dont know whether blogs serve any purpose or not.
But it is the new revolution.
The times they are a changing.
But they are here to stay, and no telling what will be next.
Wireless access is going to become even more available. So it may be in a year or two, that a person could take a picture of something out on the street, and stick it up on their blog immediately, with pictures, sound and video.
I was traveling over the holidays, and saw that many rest stops on the interstate now have free wifi. Just another example.
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46 comments:
This ought to be good. Nicely written intro jj.
The purpose of a blog should be to discuss the topic that is posted. Hopefully to discuss opinions and ideas, not get carried away and be nasty and cussing about something. My main reason is because 1. entertainment, something to do in my spare time and 2. I kind of like to see what others are thinking, especially during elections and the hospital issue. I think I read sometime or another on another blog that people need to stick to the topic and basically stated that only people in AC discuss everything but the original topic, well thats true, but not only in AC blogs. If you go on other blogs around the country you will find the same thing. It happens, sometimes people have something to say that they can't get the attention no where else.
I enjoy the blogs. It helps look into the minds of our fellow citizens. I read the Eagle every day. I enjoy it because it is multifaceted. Ark City's paper is good too, but I usually only buy a copy during special events like Arkalalah or if something is going on in town. I prefer to read it on the web, and while they do leave stuff out, you get the same gossip that you miss from everyone else in town. I quit getting the paper at home because I had became disappointed with it. Sometimes the same article would be printed several times in the same paper. Weird really. I will give a good example- during the election they actually had one AP article (small though it was) printed 4 times in there. I brought it to the papers attention and they said that the part reprinted was from different stories, but it wasn't. It was the same story about the same person and two of the articles had the exact same word for word paragraphs. No big deal really, I mean, it does become difficult to fill a paper everyday, but it would be nice to see something new and fresh it the Traveler. But, just like with most publications, it is more about the advertising that printing good news. I also think there is a lot of bias at the Traveler-and real ugly the way that certain individuals behave when they are roasting other certain individuals-especially when they are supposed to represent our fair town- but that is just my opinion.
If more people read the blog they would have realized how much support the new Lowe's had among the community.
Not all of us have time to attend various commission meetings. We work, and raise families. Yet are voice should still be heard. If more people were aware of or read the blog there would be a Lowes where dead grass is now standing.
This blog is the only place we can be heard, as the city only listens to those who have enough spare time to go to meetings.
we(the MAJORITY)do not and never have wanted a lowes. it is about time you people stopped whining about having to drive 30 miles to ponca just becase you dont want to shop in ark city.
you like ponca so much move your butt down there and leave the reest of us alone
"move your butt down there and leave the reest of us alone"
If you neanderthal backwards hillbillys would leave AC we might, just might, have a decent chance of growing.
It is 1800s logic that keeps this town anchored in a state of decay and squalor. When the town fades away you hillbillys will bear the blame.
I'm so glad I'm not the only one still upset about the way the Lowe's fiasco happened. And it's not even so much that we don't have a Lowe's, it's the underhanded sneaky way the council went about it. Throwing out the MAJORITY vote, by way of petition, and catering to the whim of a few select business owners. It was Disgraceful, and it has left an open wound on our fair city.
It starts...
"it is about time you people stopped whining..."
"move your butt down there and leave the reest of us alone."
"If you neanderthal backwards hillbillys would leave AC we might, just might, have a decent chance of growing."
"It is 1800s logic that keeps this town anchored in a state of decay and squalor. When the town fades away you hillbillys will bear the blame."
blogs. What good are they? (still scratching head) People don't know how to talk to each other.
That base tendency is only multiplied by the anonymity of it all. I am a professional. I am accustomed to talking to people respectfully. I appreciate the passion, the pain, the real desire to see betterment. A poster said it best, it does give people a voice that they might not otherwise have. but, blogs. (I guess I'm just cursed with these blogs) (about to crash keyboard) just kidding. click, click, click.
I love you Arkansas City!!! You are my home. I am anonymous. But, nonetheless, I am Arkansas City. (still surfing blogs, looking for something meaningful) clickety, clickety, click.
Signed,
Arkansas Citian
Can't we all get along? Why is this blog becoming once again about Lowes? Did you not feel that arguement has been made in the last couple blogs posted on here? Why resort to name calling? What and who does that benefit? I cried alot yesterday not because of the hatefull things directed towards me and my business (I have broad shoulders, I can take it) but because of the hate that has spewn forth from from this city. I don't want my child to have to grow up in such an angry town as this. The purpose of this blog is to get free thinkers to exchange ideas. Though some ideas may not be the best it does not mean the man, or woman who had it is and idiot or fool or neanderthal. Please if you want to post on this site think for a moment. If my child, or a skater punk, or even myself said some of the things to you that some of you have said to one another how would that make you feel? How would you respond? Love people is so much easier than hate and you will feel better at the end of the day.
Coming from the guy who was calling a poster that he didn't agree with a "he-she" yesterday.
hypocrite
Blogs are easily abused but it's the responsibility of the people who participate to set the tone, including the blog owner!
Would you prefer sir-mam, or Mr.-Mrs. What should we call the nameless? How do I know if I'm speaking to a man or a woman? I guess I appologize for hurting someones feelings with he-she. He or she has a right to be offended I guess. Once again if you would stand by your convictions and post any form of name i.e. "Lowes shopper" "friend of AC" "Some dumb kid" then I guess it wouldn't be an issue. If only he-she was the worst thing people had been called on here but alas it is not. So again I say I'm sorry. Does anyone else find it funny that a person can quote scripture and get blasted, preach a message of love and get hate mail, and ask for tollerence and get insulted? Food for thought I guess. Peace happiness and respect to you anonymous and thank you for helping me to correct myself and in turn become a better man.
@anonymous January 6, 2009 11:23 AM
If you would have read the post by Zach carefully enough, you would of know he didn't know to adress the poster as he or she.
Anyways, there is too much pushing and pulling AC into either shop only local or big box. How bout a little of both. I don't think a city can survive on only downtown local stores. It is really nice to have the ones that has been around for years(like Bryants Hardware, don't give up Zach), thats a part of history that would be nice to keep. But, I also would like to see more shopping choices(like Lowes or Taget even.)Yes, I am a supporter of Lowes, but it is done, over with peeps. Move on, talk to commissioners about whats being done to possibly get in more new businesses. If they don't have any ideas, well another election is coming up and you have a choice to vote.
This blog illustrates exactly what blogs do...they show the feelings both good and bad of a community. This community is struggling with who we were, who we are and who we want to become.
We don't want to let go of the past but can't seem to figure out how to weave it into the fabric of the future. Consequently, it has become either you are for or you are against. No one wants to admit that there could have been room for both. The Lowe's issue is still a big dividing point but it really represents feelings that run much deeper.
This town doesn't know what to do with itself and there is truly no leadership to help us figure that out. It still boils down to what do we do with the future and how does it work with the past. It can be done but I challenge someone to step forward to help get us there. It isn't about closing anyone down...it is about moving us forward. The blogs really don't move us anywhere but show us how mired down we have become.
Zach knew the "he-she" remarks had another connotation, and he was using it as such. If he didn't, he is even dumber than he claims to be.
Why does every blog have something to do with Zach and not with the topic??
I don't know...but I'll tell you for sure: I love these blogs. Some make you think, some make you pray, and the rest... well when I can stop laughing, I'll tell you.
ROTFL
Zach, or whoever it is claiming to be Zach - If I had a kid I would not want to raise it in AC for exactly the reasons you said. Too much hate and intollerance around here. I personally keep to myself and go out of town for most of my needs. Your comment on loving is easier than hating is right on.
f the people who participate to set the tone, including the blog owner!
>>>
hmmm should i delete more posts ??
his town doesn't know what to do with itself and there is truly no leadership to help us figure that out. It still boils down to what do we do with the future and how does it work with the past.
>>>>
Great post, great point.
ive been saying a long time that we need leadership.
Where have you gone Joe Dimagio ?
Anonymous said...
Why does every blog have something to do with Zach and not with the topic??
ZACK BRYANT IS DA MAN!!!!!!
The only thing that can make Chuck Norris cry is punch from Zack Bryant.
"hmmm should i delete more posts ?"
ummmm...somedays I think no, and somedays I think definitely YES. It's your blog. That's just BD spouting. He's not he Blog Boss. Let him set the tone in his own blog.
Some blog owners only let you publish things they like or things they agree with. So, free speech. Yes. But when that speech harms or crosses into another's "space", their right to free stops there. This could be a great place to exchange ideas, thoughts, & suggestions. Anonymous. I learn a lot from the anonymous posters on here. I'm not putting my name on any internet stuff. No way. What I say is still what I say if I put "Crocodile Dundee" on it. To delete or not to delete that is the question. Some folk don't have any manners, tact, or sense. That's when someone who does has to help them. Within reason.
The reason people turn the blogs into me is because I have the courage and conviction to stand behind my words. Yes I knew the he-she thing would rattle cages. It was my desired effect to draw some out of hiding and show it is ok to have an opinion. It was wrong of me and I once again appologize. Thank you Drew and yes it is me posting. I think blogging can be the wave of free thought this nation needs. The MLKs, Hunter Thompsons, Andrew Jacksons, George Carlins and so on are dieing and so there are few who stand up speak out and strike back anymore. Blogs allow everyone a chance to be heard regardless of how popular their opinions are. I personally write blogs on a couple sites and have started a new one right here. Long ago my anger would have taken over and my head would have exploded had it not been for this release. Like me or hate me I really don't care the best coarse of action if you don't like what I have to say is to just skip my writings. You will be able to recognize them thay have a name attached:P
What I say is still what I say if I put "Crocodile Dundee" on it.
>>
I think it would be good if anonymous posters would adopt a name, even crocodile dundee. or whatever, and use it consistently so we would have some idea of the person.
if that makes sense?
"You will be able to recognize them thay have a name attached:P"
ZINNNNNNNGGGGGGG
That has to burn......
Where have you gone Joe Dimagio ?
January 6, 2009 2:11 PM
I'm right here, right here....
Great movie line!!!
Traveler Editor said...
I think it would be good if anonymous posters would adopt a name, even crocodile dundee. or whatever, and use it consistently so we would have some idea of the person.
if that makes sense?
Excellent idea JJ!!! I call dibs on the name "traveler editor"
@ 2:36
Since I have my own blog I am not allowed to comment or have an opinion on this one? But you feel entitled to go on a mini rant about what you will or wont do anonymously? Or that JJ should or shouldn't delete more comments?
Get over yourself.
@ Traveler Editor
In my opinion, you allow the blog to get off topic more then I would like. It's annoying because I would actually like to participate in some of the discussions you start.
I also think some things said here border on gossip and I don't care to participate in that.
My opinion, take it or leave it.
"I think it would be good if anonymous posters would adopt a name, even crocodile dundee. or whatever, and use it consistently so we would have some idea of the person.
if that makes sense?"
OK. I'll get to work on thinking up an appropriate name I want. Be back later.
@ 3:20 PM
Sir, I have no prob w/you having an opinion or stating such. I did think your original comment to jj could have done without the exclamation point. I stand by my statement. You are not the Blog Boss. Neither am I. It's jj's blog.
Also, because I choose to remain anonymous is my choice. Mine. I see you are still anonymous as well. Mr. BD. So, actually, we agree. You're anonymous and so am I.
@ 3:30
I am not going to apologize for the use of an exclamation mark. My comment was not offensive nor was it intended to be. It's unfortunate you took it as such.
Let's consider this matter dropped?
Of course I don't mind people posting anonymously - I do it!
I read in the Traveler tonight about the PD wanting a drug dog. Ark City had such a dog back in the seventies. I ofen wonder what happened to her. Her name was Tammy.
Ark City has had several dogs on the force in the past and I think it would be a great idea to bring one on board to fight drugs, and crime. They can find drugs so much faster and easier than a officer. My wife and I would support this whole heartily.
onestone said...
I read in the Traveler tonight about the PD wanting a drug dog. Ark City had such a dog back in the seventies. I ofen wonder what happened to her. Her name was Tammy.
Ark City has had several dogs on the force in the past
What happened to the police dog we had a couple of years ago? I think he was called Officer Holland?
What about Hokenberry abusing his power as city commissioner?
All the ice leftover from the schools and hospital at the end of the day is given at NO COST to Kan-Pak. It isused in their indutrial sized ice cream mixers.
Why must we throw away the ice each night, and then make new ice each morning? Why should we use city dump trucks to haul the FREE ice to kan-pak? If they are getting the ice for free why can't they at least transport it themselves? Or at least pay something back to the city?
I heard the unused road salt is also given to canpac each spring for use in the ieccream mixers
best of my knowledge a drug dog can only work a certain number of years (8) or so i think then they are retired.
I would think the town would support Kanpac seeing it is one of the few employers we have left.
hey- single anonymous person- YOU are not the majority- take a vote- we DID want a lowe's
Damn Zach, you're gonna mess around and make me a fan of yours yet! ha ha!! At least you have the courage to be a man...wish I could say the same for your he/she hateraide drinker.
Zach knew the "he-she" remarks had another connotation, and he was using it as such. If he didn't, he is even dumber than he claims to be.
January 6, 2009 1:46 PM
Maybe you are a conspiracy theorist or just a bored loser- I'm still trying to figure it out- in the meanwhile...please...tell us what Zach meant- since you are obviously are so much smarter than the rest of us. I don't even know Zach personally but I got to say- get a life to the haters!! (Some people can read something into ANYTHING!!) They are also too big of cowards to do anything but cast stones!!!
I think the posts about what all I own in this town alone make one realize how little some of these people know. Heck even a guy supporting me gave thanks for my relative George (to my knowledge there is no George in my family but hey I'll make a fun story about him just for kicks on my blog). Truth be told if I'm not doing something with my son, my dog or my work then I'm probably asleep. I don't really socialize and the last couple girls I dated broke up with me "not really knowing me". None of you do. Heck I think I'm still learning about me. Anyways thanks once again for the support guys just realize that hate spews forth from ignorance. Spread the message of love and understanding if you truelly want to be in my corner instead of giving fuel to a few (or 1 we will never really know) nameless face in the crowd.
Peace be with you all,
Zach Bryant
I'm sorry. I got your grand-dad's name wrong.
My memory is failing me in my old age.
I remember him as a hard working man that helped develop Ark City and struggled with trying to resurrect the the AC Office building as a viable business center.
Please correct me. I want to know his name.
Well i dont know if we figured out what the purpose of a blog is, but we had good conversation today.
Ill try to post something about tuesdays city meeting in the a.m.
And about the proposed dog.
I am all for having a dog at the ACPD. A drug dog will allow the police to search any legally stopped (for say, a traffic offemse) vehicle for drugs without the required consent from the driver that you have to get without the dog. That should catch a lot of druggies, and maybe change their routes through our twon (which doiesn't really hurt us, but could give us some coin if we catch them here).
What they have to be careful of though is that the law stated that the legally stopped vehicle can only be held for as long as it would take for a ticket to be written normally. If a car is stopped while the dog and it's handler are off duty, and the officers call for the dog and it takes 30 minutes to get there, they have violated the fourth amendment search and seizure rights of that driver by holding (Seizing) him and his vehicle. That is something I can see them having trouble with.
Well i dont know if we figured out what the purpose of a blog is, but we had good conversation today.
Well, it does seem like people are calming down a bit and thinking a bit before posting their comment. Exchanging ideas & suggestions. A good thing.
Grandpa's name was Vic and before him was Llew. Thank you very much for your kind comments about them. Stuff like that truelly warms my heart.
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