Is blogging journalism?

I love to write.

Sometimes I write for the sheer fun of it, whilst at other times I write because I feel I must.

I have my own personal blog which is really nothing more than a space for my thoughts and creativity to run amok, this is a little neglected at the moment, as being A small girl in a big world is rather overwhelming at times and I am still adjusting to being a full time student, as well as momma, wife…and crazy cat lady…

Since attending Salford University and studying journalism I have come to realise that the boundaries between blogging and journalism are somewhat blurred, each certainly has its place and value but really they have the same aim-that is to share news and or views with a wider audience.

I also blog for the community, sharing news that may have previously been missed or overlooked.This is especially important as the area I cover in my posts is the only area in Trafford to not have free newspapers delivered.

My sister and I set up SaleWestVoice which is a community group based in Sale, with over 1000 members and the blog attracts quite a lot of readers looking for local news and events. I have been a blogger for almost two years now and love the freedom and expression that it gives me.

Having said that, now I am a journalism student, my blogging style has changed somewhat and I am using the skills learnt in both my blog and on my journo journey.

Some people feel that as a blogger there are less restrictions and no rules, whilst journalists are bound by law and deadlines.

I would argue that is is not true to a large extent…Make a mistake on a well read blog post and you will be corrected by the online jury, there are some fifty million blogs in existance and it self regulates and offers feedback much quicker than mainstream media could ever manage.

Laws and ethics still apply whether bedtime blogger or impartial journalist. Recent events concerning Twitter and libel  involving the BBC show that these days you can and will be prosecuted no matter who you are, lack of journalistic training is not a valid excuse.

Next time you want to know what is really happening around you, it may be a good idea to seek out a blog as well as a regular news site, you may get a slightly different version of events.

Next time someone says to me, “oh so you are just a blogger…” I may just smile sweetly and show them my knickers….