In order to define the idea of Mass Amateurization we must understand the definition of its antonyms, professionalism. According to Shirky (58) “A professional is someone who receive important occupational rewards form a reference group whose membership is limited to people who have undergone specialized formal education and have accepted a group- Source: blog.webgenomeproject.org defined code of proper conduct”.In other words, a professional achieves success and recognition by comparing his capabilities to others within his group of profession. Similarly, an amateur gets his feedback from others within his group, only now the group is everyone or the Mass Amateurism.
While the professionalism has been established and maintain for many years, the Mass Amateurization was made possible only recently with emerge of the Internet. And in particular Web 2.0 technologies like blogs, wikis, and social networking platforms (Abel 2010). Mass amateurization became accessible and achievable through new capabilities that are now in the power of every person who owns a computer or mobile phone (with unlimited Internal access). This new ability changed the face of news. First and very importantly providing news is now in the hands of everyone, and no longer it is limited to the journalist. Therefore, news does not necessarily depends on the reporter being “at the right place at the right time” (Cacoilo 2010), since each and every one of us can be everywhere at all times. http://www.maxgladwell.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/huge-crowd.jpg
source:malaysianmogo.blogspot.comMy own publisher amateur experiences include the use of social network such as facebook and publishing the post for the course Media 180. The social network, facebook, allows us to join specific groups. I joined a group that protest to release Gilad Shalit, and Israeli soldier that was captured on 25 June 2006 by the Hamas. This group along with many other groups on the web created the voice of the mass that wish that Gilad would be released. Newspapers and reports published the huge amount of members ‘amateurs’ who joined those groups to illustrate the public concern. In line with Shirky claim, before our “current generation of coordination tools” (63) amateur opinions would have difficulty in finding others with the same concerns, “like minded” and much less being able to
express these concerns and speak up.I also published my first post as a blogger. I must admit that I was surprised by how easy it was to become a blogger, how simple it was to create links to other sources, and how effortless was it to comment on others’ posts.
Shirky emphasize the idea that in the developed world which we leave in the ability of self-publishers, such as bloggeres, expends to the point where anyone “can publish anything anytime, and the instant it is published, it is globally available and readily findable” (Shirky 71).source:indiana.bilerico.com
or photography can be classified as journalist or a photographer respectably. Whether that means that it is the end for those professionals just like movable type eliminate scribes?I believe not. In my perspective the need for professionals still exist and will continue to exist.Source: infodesign.no
Just like the discrimination between a weblogger or amateur photographer, from professional journalist or photographer. As Shirky’s (80) illustrate this idea; “we make a distinction between the general ability to write and the professional ability to write in a calligraphic”.
Scott, Abel. The Mass Amateurization of Publishing. DCLnews. May 29, 2008. Accessed online on: August 3, 2010. http://www.dclab.com/scott_abel_1005.asp
Shirky, Clay. "Everyone Is A Media Outlet." Here Comes Everybody. Penguin Press HC, 2008. 55-80.
I like your point about the new communication outlets bringing people together more effectively for protests for example. I think it underlines the internet's importance as a great tool for social change. Perhaps this way it will also decrease the 'spiral of silence' effect of mass media. People will not be afraid to express their opinion as much if they find like-minded people on the net; they can voice their minority opinion that could lead to more balanced social behavior, and social check on others.
ReplyDeleteAlso now that we have the internet and the new ways to communicate and see how much difference it makes, and how quickly news gets out, isn't it amazing what people could achieve before this technological era? I mean think about all the revolutions, freedom fights, social unrests, protests, migration of the masses, etc. I mean they had the newspaper and the books for mass communication, still it's amazing what they could do to call people into action fast under a unified goal.
Maybe the fact that people had to come together face to face and the masses on the streets could be a better motivator to act. Now the internet facilitates talks, but maybe it is also somewhat limiting for people to actually act. I mean to move their bodies out to the street to protest in solidarity, like in the old days, thinking that they did their best on the internet already...? What do you think?
Your participation in the group on Facebook to protest the release of Gilad Shalit reminded me of the video we saw in class today by Joe Levy, A Better World in Second Life. People are constantly joining groups on Facebook in enhance their connection with other people. The groups that advocate for the "greater good" are a good way to make everyone aware of what's going on. However, I believe that by simply joining a group on Facebook takes away from the seriousness of the issues. Virtual activism isn't always enough. Donations, participations in real life protests, and volunteering are more important.
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