A number of articles that I've posted recently have dealt with how information is created, distributed, stored, and processed. As has been stated by countless observers, the internet has dramatically changed the way that we access information, although the implications of those changes is certainly up for debate. This longread looks at how the internet in general but more specifically one website -- Bleacher Report -- has changed the nature of sports reporting. The lessons from the Bleacher Report example may also shine a light on the direction that we may see in other areas of reporting. Essentially, the Bleacher Report model is driven almost entirely by what can generate pageviews (and thus advertising dollars). Stories are crowd-sourced, which is code for the fact that they are typically produced for free by writers with limited journalistic experience. Moreover, these stories are commonly written to fit a particular headline or set of keywords that Bleacher Report algorithms indicate will generate the most traffic.
This is a highly-profitable model but one that in my opinion seriously degrades the quality of sports reporting online. That said, as the Sinclair Lewis letter of note indicated, it's important to be wary of casting off a site like Bleacher Report (or alternatively, only embracing more "institutional" reporting sources) simply because it doesn't fit the traditional model of what is understood as good sports writing.
This also begs the question of why we are so attracted to hyperbole. Why can't we look away and just not click on the links to these articles? Why are we so drawn to reality TV shows that feature actors and actresses who represent the most extreme versions of different stereotypes? When did this attraction start? Are sites like Bleacher Report simply catering to the market? Or are they also actively involved in creating this type of market demand?
"How Bleacher Report Made Crap Journalism Pay" by Joe Eskenazi
Published in the Seattle Weekly, October 3, 2012
Eric
It seems like this is to sports what politicians are to the news, breaking things into ridiculous sound bites. I think it is fine to dismiss this type of "journalism" offhand, just because there is an opinion doesn't mean it is relevant. People like this used to be relegated to raving lunatics on local broadcasts and are now put before the entire world. Thing is most people enjoy it. Directly to your point Suni I chose to avoid this type of garbage along with reality TV and other ridiculous cultural elements (you know my lack of love for FB). I think the reason is most people simply want entertainment and blissful mindlessness, which may or may not be a bad thing. For myself it isn't the answer and you just have to put on the blinders.
ReplyDeletenew south park last night was really interested in light of this article. you should find online but basically it was about the lowering bar of society and what people view as entertainment.
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