Clay Shirky provides a clear and concise explanation of mass amaturization in the reading "Everyone is a Media Outlet." He first explains professionalism and how a profession becomes, "a way of understanding the world (58)." This idea emphasizes the thought that a profession becomes a persons way of living and a form to view life. He later goes on to explain that although professionals were once looked upon as the only way of media outlets, thanks to technology it can now be expected from the mass population, your average Joe.
Mass Amateurization is a "result of the radical spread of expressive capabilities" (66). He emphasizes his point by stating, "in the same way you do not how to be a professional to drive, you no longer have to be a professional publisher to publish" (66). Because of our technological advances, anyone with a camera or a cell phone can instantly document or photograph anything of importance. Any person who happens to be at the right place at the right time can snap a photo or tweet something that could be important information.
The most recent examples of mass amateurization come from twitter. I learned of things such as Osama's death, Michael Jackson's death, and the Casey Anthony trial through a social network. The power of publishing is greatly amplified when in under 140 characters news of utmost importance can travel the world, all within seconds. Things such as youtube can post clips from next weeks favorite show to the devastating effects of a natural disaster. The immensity of the internet and mass amateurization is so great that news is entirely more accessible then ever before.
Shirky explains of a blurred lined between amateur and professional. Because the amateur population may blogging about something significant, the chances that the mass media will pick up on it is great then if it were only up to the mass media. People who use the internet to blog or tweet are usually not expecting to make money off it, or to receive a high priced career. They are however vehicles conveying news that can be highly relevant and extremely useful to another person. Shirky emphasizes the idea that the line between professional and amateur is slowly becoming more and more confused.
What does the future hold for the media professional? Personally, I feel as if mass amateurization is a necessary and useful outlet to receiving news almost instantly. However, a media professional has the training and equipment to future study and analyze a story. They can research and question to publish a factual piece, while amateurs may not always have that ability.
Shirky, Clay "Everyone is a Media Outlet." Here Comes Everybody: the Power of Organizing without Organizations. New York, 2008.
I agree with you that the mass amateurization won't necessary kill the media professionals. I think mass amateurization will change the media landscape but the media professionals will still be in demand.
ReplyDeleteMass amateurization is necessary, I agree, since professionals may not always have immediate access to news and other media. I also think that amateurs are able to gain readers of blogs, for example, to reach out to not only the news but other opinions and viewpoints. Media professionals will continue to be a great source of the same news as well.
ReplyDeleteI agree about the necessity of mass amateurization completely. It really helps get the word out on information that could normally be hidden or suppressed by larger authorities who don't want it to get out. Nonetheless, the major difference in resources will mean the professional, unlike scribes centuries ago, will not become obsolete. I can agree that they will have a place in the new order because they can do more with a stories thanks to their resources and ability to reach a larger audience they've established.
ReplyDeleteI also think there is a future for professionals. Although mass amateurization and citizen journalism is increasing, people still turn to professionals for accuracy. Sometimes bloggers would get their information from professionals, so they definitely have a role in the future. Another thing is the professionals are also blogging so they will always be in tact with technology and new media.
ReplyDeleteI say the same thing on my post, the mass amateurization would not necessarily kill the professions, because they are supports to each other. Also, professionals are using the new media as well to reach out more audiences.
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