What Good is Live Blogging?
I’ve only done “live” blogging three times–one of those times with a group of bloggers. Last night was my first time using the Cover It Live software. My experience prompts the question: What good is live blogging? Or, perhaps, I should be asking: What good am I at it?
I have certainly seen it done better. One example is the fellow who writes Life of Jason. He’s a citizen journalist in Springfield, Missouri who live blogs from city council meetings.
The Cover It Live software allows readers to get involved. I was surprised when a long-time Rhetorica reader all of a sudden showed up in last night’s blogcast. And that’s when it struck me: This live-blogging thing works out much better if more than one person is involved.
Live blogging with a group of bloggers has the same conversational effect. It keeps you from retreating to your own little world.
Before and after my reader showed up, I was mostly dealing snarky comments about CNN. (Easy target…I know.)
I’ll be trying this again tonight. So if you’re of a mind to, please drop in to participate. I think conversation has the potential to make this kind of coverage worthwhile. I’ll also be logged into Skype, so please feel free to give me a ring. Just click the “call me” button in the sidebar or place a direct call to dr_cline.
So what was a I doing last night. Quick answer: entertaining myself.
In 2004 I wrote a series of experiential analyses of the primary and presidential debates. I had many readers comment that they liked these posts. Now I’m thinking that live blogging might be put to better use this way. And you can see that I started to do that as coverage turned from blathering talking heads to speeches by Ted Kennedy and Michelle Obama.
But I’m having an experience of CNN’s coverage, too. Tonight, however, I’m going to focus on what I think they should be doing.
Tags: journalism, rhetoric, politics
Thanks for the shout out, Andy.
You bet!