Press Tries to Meet Snarky Local Bloggers
February 4th, 2007
Evidently, NBC-17 has sent out listening tour invitations to a ton of local bloggers here in the triangle…
We would like to invite you to our groundbreaking Blogger Ascertainment. We recognize the contributions bloggers are making to their readers and would like the opportunity to make a lasting connection with your important voice.
This meeting will be dedicated to finding out more about the important issues in your community, and suggestions on how we might be able to serve them better.
The mainstream media in a respectful manner reaches out to local bloggers. These are bloggers who have all ten typing fingers on the pulse of the community. These bloggers represent many groups who are trying to get their ideas expressed. The local media is reaching out to communities of writers who are typically trying to find unique ways of reaching out themselves.
And how does the “local blogging community” respond?
I. Lighthearted - Paul Jones: “I’m sure you mean well, but geez TV guys — Geeks want drinks! And those start after 5. Doncha know, we bloggers are still in our PJs at noon? ”
b. Snarky - Coturnix: “I’d like to ascertain you instead of being ascertained. I’d like to know more about what you want and what are you offering us….”
iii. Uppish - Brian Russell:
7. Be very honest early on about what you want from Bloggers. We are not free labor.
8. Most important: Treat bloggers as equals and with respect. The era of consumers and passive viewers is over. Put links to us on your website…
Before we start making recommendations, should we at least sit down with them first? This is like trying to figure out who gets the kids in the divorce before the first date.
As clumsy as it may be, NBC-17’s invite should be embraced within the local blogging community. It is an excellent opportunity from both sides.
February 5th, 2007 at 7:16 am
But davak, we, these three bloggers in particular, have been reaching out to MSM and many have responded positively.
Brian was the main organizer of Podcastercon 06 an unconference attended by over 150 podcasters from all over the US.
Bora, with help from Brian and Anton Zuiker, was the main organizer of the very popular Science Blogging Conference this year — again an unconference attended by over 150 bloggers including those from the MSM and science journals like Nature, American Scientist and PBS Frontline.
Then there is me. I work with a lot of MSMers and love them all.
But “ascertainment”? and at noon on a Monday? By folks who haven’t done their homework? And are quite impersonal — I had to go to my spam folder to find the evite which was part of a mass mailing.
We have been restrained. No one has yet said “Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries.”
February 5th, 2007 at 7:56 am
No, not elderberries!
I am inclined to go anyway. That can be a good teaching moment. Sooner or later they will have to learn, they might as well learn now and learn from us. I think we should all go.
February 5th, 2007 at 10:37 am
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February 5th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
Paul:
Thanks for putting everything in context. Your examples also support my point that interactions between the mainstream media (MSM) and bloggers are healthy and synergistic.
I never suggested that bloggers are cold in general to MSM. I justed wanted to point out that the local blogger response to this specific request seemed less than friendly.
I mean… we are not trying to estimate the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow here.
February 5th, 2007 at 12:37 pm
coturnix:
I agree. Starting the process seems healthy…
February 5th, 2007 at 12:44 pm
[…] This somehow bruised the sensitive male feelings of David Kirk over at Tech-Recipes who has as near as I can tell no dog in this fight or more accurately no humor in his reading of my post. […]
February 5th, 2007 at 3:58 pm
Thank you for posting our invitiation for a Triangle “Bloggers Meetup” on your blog. I appreciate it.
This is a new adventure and a learning one too. I hoep to be able to learn how we, as the main stream media, can assist you…as a local blogger.
Please encourage other bloggers to come. The more the merrier. Simply have them RSVP to the E-vite so we can plan on enough food and refreshments among other things.
If I can be of any assistance, let me know.
Thank you so very much!
February 6th, 2007 at 11:43 pm
[…] A few days ago I attended a “Blogger Summit” hosted by the local NBC station here in New York, WNBC. WNBC news wants to form a relationship with the blogging community, use their stories on TV and the website, and give credit. Paul got a similar invitation from NBC in North Carolina. Brian’s response is spot-on. More conversation here. […]