Module 6

Here is my question for Arzu and Onnik for Module 6 and Onnik's very interesting answer.

Question:
Arzu and Onnik-

How do you think that the immediacy of blogging and the internet in general has affected your job. What are some negative and positive consequences of the internet taking over as a news source instead something more traditional such as a newspaper. For example, do you think that it is better to be able to go into a country which has no freedom of press and be able to immediately and often report stuff that is going on in the present via a blog, or do you think a longer, more in depth, more thought-out piece by a reporter who had previously spent months in this country written for a periodical or newspaper is preferable. Thank you, and great interview.


Answer:
Liam, well, good question, and I don't want to repeat myself with my emphasis on the power of the individual, but I really do believe it's dependent on the person. For example, a reporter can also make mistakes and not fully understand the situation in a country.For sure, as you say, the local media in Armenia is adversely affected by this reality, but some are unhappy about some international coverage too. At the end of the day, if a blogger or reporter (or both as some of us are) wants to do a professional and accurate job, they will.Certainly, in the case of Arzu and myself, we have a thorough understanding of the countries we write about. On the other hand, that doesn't mean a blogger can't give their opinion on a political or social issue. That is their right as a citizen.What is important is to be accurate and not push information you know to be incorrect. And if someone leaves a comment disagreeing or pointing out an inaccuracy, discuss the issue and don't censor. This approach will also make bloggers more credible as a result.

Hi Liam,

The effect of blogging on my job has been great. In fact, because the organization I am with works in the Caucasus they have been very supportive throughout this whole time.

I think there are several benefits of internet taking over simple newspapers- first you save more trees; second you can access as many different newspapers you want online and might not even find sold in your local newspaper kiosk; you can even comment start a discussion online after reading a certain article. The negative side however is that not everyone has access to online media so, at times all they can read is what is available in print and that is not always the most objective newspaper.

Blogs and newspapers are different though. Newspapers have to have periodicals and articles written every day, whereas a blog is uncontrolled, free ground you can access at any time, change, write, whatever you want. And in case of your question I would in fact read both the blog and the newspaper article on that particular country as both will most probably have some common points as well as differences.