Facebook discussion

The discussion in class was not a very enlightening one, but it was interesting to hear everyones opinions on something that we now consider part of every day life. The fact that there were a number of people actually on facebook during the class was not completely surprising. I see this occur often in all my larger lecture hall classes. Just the other day a guy sitting in front of me was literally on his facebook for the entire class period. To me these actions are a dissapointing result of our generation. Why bother coming to class if you're just going to spend the whole time facebooking or on another social network? I think that the more time a person spends on social networks such as Facebook, the less interactive they are in their interpersonal social life. As for the question of whether these networks are replacing any face to face communication, I believe that it is more an addition to communication today, unless it is being abused. Facebook is a positive aspect of the future of technology. It helps us stay in touch with old friends, family members or coworkers, and also we can update all of our friends with what is going on in our lives. So as long as it is not being used as the only source of communication or is distracting us from paying attention in school too much, it is an enriching addition to life today.

Fashion Blogging

"Young Bloggers have ear to fashion heavyweights
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/14/technology/14youth.html"

The blogging industry has opened up many opportunities to the whole world, or at least anyone with access to internet. Some feel that bloggers are not "true" journalists. In my opinion this is not entirely true. Seeing as anyone can start a blog, how are we to know who is behind the entry? It could range from an educated person with an actual degree in journalism to an average high school student. I see journalism as sending a message to the people and informing them on issues or really anything for that matter. The creaters of magazine "Dirrty Glam" in Paris, France run a renowned established business at the ages of 19-21 years old. It is there attempt at sharing their opinions and information on fashion with their readers. They also blog in correlation to their fashion magazine. This might be seen as not "true" journalism by some but I think that they deserve considerably more credit. They should be respected for creating such a well established corporation at such a young age, and having the aptitude to maintain a blog on the subject. This is not to say that they are technically recognized by society as journalists because they blog. I believe that bloggers are journalists to a certain extent because they still are sending out a message to the world, it is just a matter of what their educational background consists of.