Why the "Traditional Media" are better than Bloggers

We all know that bloggers are far less careful and credible than the traditional media. The key is to identify some key factors that differentiate bloggers from the more credible mainstream.

1) Resources to be sure they minimize mistakes.

Larger mainstream media outlets have the time and staff to be sure they get it right. They are not easily fooled and are diligent to make sure they get it right. The less mainstream like For Rant and the BBC are more likely to get it wrong. For example, the BBC interviewed a London cabbie they mistook for an on-line music expert to get his opinion of the recent Apple vs the Beatles court case that the Apple Computer Corp won. While the actual expert was sitting in a waiting room (surreally) watching himself give a whacky cabbie opinion on the court case the interviewer proceeded obliviously. The cabbie realized the mistake and after some initial consternation proceeded gamely.

2) Better access to facts.

While bloggers like the For Rant and CBC Newsworld must troll the internet and other sources for info - walking the tightrope of accuracy - large mainstream media outlets have access to a myriad of in depth sources. On the other hand, for example, CBC Newsworld has to quote things like Wikipedia frequently which occassionally includes inaccuracies. That's how they add real value to the Canadian viewing public. You wouldn't see someone more credible like Jon Stewart's Daily Show have to stoop as low as CBCNewsworld.

not just fat tuesday

I recently returned from a trip to Florida and Walt Disney World. It struck me how fat visitors to Disney are. I wondered if it was Americans or just Disney visitors who are fat - and not just a little. Its criminal to see all these fat kids will rolls all over the place. The number of waddling adults was alarming too. It would simply be gratuitous to make fat jokes now and I will attempt to resist the urge. I am rarely accused of being extremely aware of my surroundings so the fat must really have been profound.

It is hardly surprising. It was almost impossible to get vegetables at a restaurant in Disney World. We bought fruit in our hotel as a snack despite being assured that "you don't have to buy fruit with your meal plan you know. You can buy chips or cookies if you want." Yes we wouldn't want to be short changed and be forced to buy an orange, apple or banana when a cream filled twinkie is available.

I wondered for a while about whether this was a general trend in America or specific to Disney when I read about a new piece of research in the US. 65% of Americans are overweight and 34% are obese. THATS ONE THIRD! I probably underestimated the obesity - after all you need to walk around those parks (although it was also noticable how many of those power scooters there were rented out).

For God's sake eat some fruit and vegetables and get a bit more exercise.