Blogs vs. Wikis

           A blog is a website or webpage that is regularly updated with new content. Blogs are typically run by an individual or small group; they also use an informal writing style. Many can agree that blogs have allowed for practically anyone to be a reporter and/or publisher. An example of this is the Brooklyn blog that helped lead to a drug raid; Wilson states, "... the bloggers seemed to know, sometimes chronicling daily activities in detail, misspellings and all: 'Several more crack heads came out of 346 93rd street,' one woman wrote last year..." These bloggers felt the urge to write detailed posts about the strange events that occurred in their neighborhood and publish it; it's not exactly journalism but the bloggers were able to help the police with their investigation. One form of collaboration that blogs offer are the comment section; bloggers can comment on each other's posts and share ideas and opinions.
           Wikis are websites that allow users to make changes, corrections, or contributions. But because wikis can be edited by anyone, there is a question of the validity of the information on such sites. Unlike blogs, "Wikis, by contrast, are collaborative only in retrospect — someone has to be prepared to be the first to write something, and deal with having those words changed by a complete stranger" (Cohen 1). I personally don't use Wikipedia often, so I haven't really considered any new uses for it; but as the semester progresses I hope to come up with some new ideas.
           Convergence is the driving force behind new media and it is essential in today's networking society. The convergence of consumption allows users to use several forms of media simultaneously. Smart phone users can now use multiple apps at the same time. The convergence of media has allowed for media outlets to be accessed through their websites. New York Times articles can now be read online, whereas before you would have to purchase the newspaper.

Links Used:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/04/business/media/04link.html?_r=0
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/26/nyregion/26bayridge.html