Setting up this blog was incredibly simple. I found this quite surprising, especially since I consider myself of the technically challenged variety. It’s amazing how all you need to start a blog is an e-mail address and a name, two things which are also quite simple to create on the web.
I can now add academic blogging to my repertoire. I find it interesting that in introducing his students to Mass Communications course, Ian requested that we start an academic blog. In a sense, I suppose he is throwing us to the masses. For many of us, who have never before experienced blogging, we have been introduced to the public forum.
Since the web allows it users a certain amount of anonymity, do bloggers have a responsibility to refine the content they deliver to the public? Or does that modicum of anonymity allow them to use freedom of speech to the fullest extent? Does the right to freedom of speech apply to the web? The web is not governed by any one body so the content available on it ranges from one extreme to another. Is it the responsibility of the blogger to ensure that their content is appropriate for anyone who happens to read it? Or is underlying reason for one to blog, that they can relatively anonymously share with the world their thoughts and opinions, which they may not be so comfortable to share openly with the public and in person.
In this case it is my responsibility to ensure that the content I post on this blog is appropriate, considering it is an academic blog and I am representing the University of Guelph-Humber. Through this blog I have the forum to openly communicate with people across the globe. Unfortunately, I do not have the luxury of anonymity on this blog, so that means the content that I post directly reflects upon me.
Consecutively, I am responsible for sharing what I am learning, and how I interpret it. After all, the best way to determine if you’ve acquired knowledge is if you have the ability to share it with others.
-J
(to be continued..)
September 11, 2008 at 11:35 pm
excellent post! i think it’s interesting that you note that, in having you keep an academic blog, i am “throwing you to the masses.” i’ll have to think about this….
it will also be interesting to see how you will respond to the questions you pose at the end of term. will you have any answers and what will your thoughts on blogging be in the weeks to come.
keep writing,
i.
September 13, 2008 at 5:27 am
It sounds like you’re asking lots of questions about blogging – a good way to begin your own blog. Welcome to the world of academic blogging, and, as you point out, the responsibility that comes with it!
Lana