Issues In The Lecture

Issues in the Lecture
Week 7; Post 1

*How is Wikipedia useful?
Wikipedia is not only an extremely useful tool for knowledge, but it is used for a multitude of other features. These may include finding pictures, finding links to more reputable sites, finding names or just looking up random facts. Although it may be argued that wikipedia is only useful for trivial searches, that require no reference or the like, it is extremely useful as a first step. For instance when looking for information an a particular subject, that you have no prior knowledge of, wikipedia is a helpful first step on your quest. Furthermore it is efficient in the fact that on topics that may change frequently, the information can be edited to reflect its current position and information. However wikipedia is never an alternative for a peer reviewed source, as it can be misleading and falsified.*Has anyone here edited Wikipedia? How hard is it?
Apparently editing wikipedia is easy and hassle free, this indicates that information can be falsified with ease. however it also means that people who are passionate about sharing correct information are not deterred by any lengthy initiation or validity checks.* Why does Facebook work?
Facebook just works because it has built a network that now has so many points of access and information it is hard to be without it. You can access it on your phone, on your computer and your iPad & iPod Touch, and you can even edit Facebook through text message and email. Furthermore, with the vast amounts of people that look and share everyday, it is much simpler to post information, a question or a request on someones 'Wall' that trying to send a text message or have a phone conversation, especially when the reply is not urgent. It is also really effective at organising parties and events, in that you can simply invite all your friends with the click of a button. And most importantly; It's FREE!* What would it take for you to close down your Facebook account?
For myself to cancel my Facebook account would require a life or well being threatening situation or a fee charged. If i knew that someone was stalking me, or my family or someone was trying to force information about my whereabouts or contact details I would close my account. If Facebook was to start charging a fee, say even $5 a year, it would not be the cost that would deter me, rather the hassle of trying to pay, either by setting up a credit card or etc. However, if myspace is any indication of the implications of an overworked and unorganised system, Facebook may (or may not) meet the same fate as its once popular predecessor. It has already been noticed that more 'creeps' and 'weirdos' have made their way to the social network. Although, having said that, it does seem to be that Facebook has set-up pretty strong precautions and safety measures to ensure that it is a friendly environment, such as selecting who can see your posts etc.
* Is citizen journalism the end of traditional journalism?
I believe that citizen journalism and traditional journalism are two entirely separate categories. One, for the trivial and opinionated world, the other for the professional and 'real' world. citizen journalism is purely the medium for countless opinions and biased information, that ultimately, people who agree, are going to want to read. Whereas professional journalism is (meant to be) unbiased and purely a medium to state the cold hard facts. therefore I believe that they will continue to co-exist as similar, but not identical mediums of the news.