I got a very interesting email today telling me about the Felix Moley Journalism Competition. Naturally, I was excited to find out more and to see if there's a chance for me to participate (y3ni bil 3arabi in3ajagt!) This competition is organized through the Institute for Humane Studies (IHS)– an organization that promotes concepts and ideas of individual liberty.
Anyways, the rules of the competition state that you have to submit three to five already published articles. Fair enough, right… except I was a bit surprised and disappointed when I read the following:
Why wouldn't Blog entries be considered??!! I'm not talking about myself here but about the principle in general!! There are some serious, professional, highly interesting and informative blogs out there! Just as I was thinking blogs are playing a very important role vis-à-vis today's mainstream media, and that they are a powerful tool of expression, especially in countries with less press freedom and less open media… how come they aren't recognized as "published" writings by an Institute supporting liberal values? In a move that supports and promotes blogging, "Reporters without Borders" recently published the Handbook for Bloggers and Cyber-dissidents, recognizing blogging as a form of journalism… or at least that's what it looked like to me… please correct me if I'm wrong!
Apparently this is an old topic… but I came across this interesting article that looks at Journalism vs. Blogging (on a nice website I found: the Big Blog Company), and it links to other good articles exploring and tackling the point… worth checking out if you're interested.
Oh well, I guess I'll just send the folks at the IHS an email and find out the reasons and logic behind their stand.
Anyways, the rules of the competition state that you have to submit three to five already published articles. Fair enough, right… except I was a bit surprised and disappointed when I read the following:
Publications qualifying for consideration include editorials, op-eds, articles, essays, and reviews. Applicants are encouraged to submit news and feature pieces in student newspapers, magazines or other periodicals for consideration.“Blog” entries will not be considered.
Why wouldn't Blog entries be considered??!! I'm not talking about myself here but about the principle in general!! There are some serious, professional, highly interesting and informative blogs out there! Just as I was thinking blogs are playing a very important role vis-à-vis today's mainstream media, and that they are a powerful tool of expression, especially in countries with less press freedom and less open media… how come they aren't recognized as "published" writings by an Institute supporting liberal values? In a move that supports and promotes blogging, "Reporters without Borders" recently published the Handbook for Bloggers and Cyber-dissidents, recognizing blogging as a form of journalism… or at least that's what it looked like to me… please correct me if I'm wrong!
Apparently this is an old topic… but I came across this interesting article that looks at Journalism vs. Blogging (on a nice website I found: the Big Blog Company), and it links to other good articles exploring and tackling the point… worth checking out if you're interested.
Oh well, I guess I'll just send the folks at the IHS an email and find out the reasons and logic behind their stand.
0 comments:
Post a Comment