I posted this over on NotJSchool (http://www.notjschool.ning.com/), but it also fits here.

I understand what Cooke was trying to say, but think he may have just proved why old media is on the verge of dying.

Yes, “real” reporters at “real” papers do stuff that bloggers and citizen journos can’t — namely investigative pieces, “hard” news, etc. (even that can be argued though). But some bloggers and citizen journos out there used to be in the media field, so thus do have the expertise to produce quality content.

And when you boil it down, is journalism not just creating content? Much like a blog’s purpose is creating content? And a citizen journo is not to be discredited — just look at how breaking news happens now and how valuable those citizen journos are (the Toronto propane explosion is one example).

I think Cooke needs to watch what he says, and who he slams in the process. On the one hand, a visit to the Star’s site on any given day and they are asking you for your photos, your stories. Hmm. If I’m just karaoke to your Sinatra live and in person, then how would anything I have be of any value to you?