Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Dan Gillmor on His Move to "Citizen Journalism"

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the change-of-pace dept.

tct25 writes "Tech journalist Dan Gillmor gives OhmyNews International his first interview since announcing that he will leave the San Jose Mercury News next month in order to start a citizen-journalism venture. Many insiders are scratching their heads. Why is the much respected tech writer leaving what he described as 'greatest gig in the world' for the perilous journey of developing an entrepreneurial idea in citizen-journalism? He spoke to OhmyNews at Harvard Law School in the middle of the final day of the College's Berkman Center-sponsored 2004 Internet and Society Conference last Saturday."

4 of 109 comments (clear)

  1. Uhhh duh... by jmcmunn · · Score: 4, Interesting

    "Why is the much respected tech writer leaving what he described as 'greatest gig in the world' for the perilous journey of developing an entrepreneurial idea in citizen-journalism?"

    I can think of two reasons...

    1. almost all big media is corupt these days, and spin the news to their liking just for ratings with the readers, or to get money from the sponsors. Maybe he's just sick of it.

    2. MONEY...he has a chance to "get rich quick" with his entrepreneurial venture. Why not take the risk? If he fails, he can always go back to something similar since he'll still has his good rep (unless he does something really terrible between now and then)

  2. He gives a damn, that's why by mdudzik · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Read his stuff. They're not just "tech columns". They are often political writing well informed by a knowledge of technology. Dan is one of the best columnists around, "tech" or not. I'm sure whatever he does will be worth watching.

  3. Try not to be so cynical by DrWho520 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Why is the much respected tech writer leaving what he described as 'greatest gig in the world' for the perilous journey of developing an entrepreneurial idea in citizen-journalism?

    I have a different answer for everyone to chew on. Mr. Gilmor is great at what he does, as evidenced by his cherry position, his reputation and most importantly his work. Great people get bored. He has risen to what he sees as the pinnacle of his field and he is not satisfied. He wants more. He is willing to try something radically different for the challenge and the experience and the opportunity to perhaps revolutionize the field. He wants excitement.

    Besides, if the idea does not work, do you really think he will not be able to get another job as a tech writer somewhere else? Sure, this venture might fail and he may have to go back to a similar job that pays less, but it is the risk that makes it interesting. He is living life, trying new things, actively seeking out innovation and not letting it come to him.

    I applaud him for it.

    --
    The cancel button is your friend. Do not hesitate to use it.
  4. Re:I know why he would leave by NardofDoom · · Score: 4, Insightful
    The media isn't liberal or conservative: it's corporate. It's job is to get as many people reading/watching/listening as possible so that ad revenues go up, and the shareholders make a profit.

    This is done by using sensationalist news and showing the point of view that most people agree with. Which is why you see stories like "Sex Offenders in your neighborhood!" and "Puppies: Too Cute?"

    I haven't watched the news in about a year because I just couldn't take it anymore. Turn on CNN or Fox or MSNBC any time of the day and you can run down a checklist:

    ( ) Story about sex
    ( ) Story about violence
    ( ) Story threatening your well-being
    ( ) Fluff story nobody could disagree with

    --
    You have two hands and one brain, so always code twice as much as you think!