“Information is an ocean, and newsmakers can no longer control the tide as easily as they once did.”

In Chapter 3 of we the media Dan Gillmor explains what I think is the top three challenges to traditional media. Though the three I picked aren’t the only challenges I think others can fall into these categories. They challenge traditional media because it makes the job of the traditional newspaper or reporter harder and the readers easier. The reporter has to give the most current information, and must make it appealing to the reader, even if they know nothing about the topic.

“The gates come down”

“First, outsiders of all kinds can probe more deeply into newsmakers’ business affairs. They can disseminate what they learn more widely and more quickly. And it’s never easier to organize like-minded people to support, or denounce, a person or cause. The communication-enabled grassroots is a formidable truth squad.”

Like Gillmor says, anyone who is anyone can do journalism now. With the invention of blogging, pod casts, and others, anyone can post what they believe is news. Why is this a problem for traditional journalism? Well traditional journalists take the approach of really researching the topic and then publicize it, something that takes time. To many Americans, time is something they don’t have. And some people don’t want to wait till five o’clock to hear about went on that day. With new forms of newsgathering people don’t have to wait, they can simply research and find what is latest news by searching the internet.

“Second, insiders are part of the conversation. Information no longer leaks. It gushes. Through firewalls and other barriers, via instant messages, emails, and phone calls.”

Today, people are finding it easier ad easier to communicate and news gather, with the access to cell phones, internet, text messages, and so on. People talk and news spreads quickly, much more quickly than a newspaper can circulate. With emails, and instant messages a conversation about the latest gossip or news can be read and sent to someone else with in a few minutes.

“Third, what gushes forth can take on a life of its own, even if it’s not true.”

You may being getting news at a incredible light speed, but how reliable is the news? Anyone can write a blog, and anyone can post information on sites, but is true? I think traditional media is finding this somewhat appalling. People rather search for the news themselves and take the risk of getting wrong information rather than read a reliable source like The New York Times

There are others that I believe threaten the traditional way of media, but personally I would rather rely on someone I can trust. Even if the information is a day old, I know I am reading really happened.

Sources: we the media grassroots journalism by the people for the people by: Dan Gillmor
Yahoo! images


Word Count: 471

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3,998

It's a first on Deal or No Deal

reflective audio post on assignment

A record high...

Last night on the show a contestant won the most amount of money that has ever been walked away with. The contestant picked the $400,000 case to hold on to but ended up walking away with over $450,000. He was having a good day and looks like he made a great deal.

Another interview....

I asked a retired administrative secretary for Jefferson County public schools in Kentucky. DeeDee Boston enjoys her leisure time by playing golf and spending time with her grandchildren. She is a very enthused viewer of the show, and though she is retired she keeps up with the times.

Have you ever watched Deal or No Deal?
Yes

Have you ever been on Deal or No Deal's website?
No

Have you ever blogged about something?
Yes

What are you feelings towards Deal or No Deal? Do you like it, the concept? Is there something about the show you would change?
Yes, I watch the show but I think Howie Mandel tries tointimidatee the players sometimes. I know he has to have the commercial on the show in order for it to exist, but his timing could be a little different when informing the player of the money offer.

Did you know there is more than one version of the show?
Yes

When was the 1st time you watched the show?
Probably around the first of the year 2006.

What is the most memorable scene you can remember about the show?
When the young man asked his girlfriend to marry him and than he received so much money, what a good start for them.

Do you think greed gets to people on the show?
I guess sometimes, but the players want to get just as much as possible, after all they offer a million dollars to each player. It is a guessing game really.

Do you think money gets to people more now than it did 20 years ago?
Yes, because too many of us want to live like the Jones, and that is not possible. Also, they think money brings happiness but it doesn't.

If you were on Deal or No Deal what case would pick to save?
I would pick number 3.

You could be on the show!

photo from Deal or No Deal site
Have you ever sat there wishing to be contestant? Have you ever wondered what you would do if you were on ther show? Well here is your chance below is the link to apply to be on the show. It's easy, just fill out the form attach a photo of your self and your on you way to opening some real cases.

Apply Now!
photo from Deal or No Deal site

Bellarmine University's perspective on the show...

I talked with a few Bellarmine University students to see what they thought about the show.
I wanted to see how their view on money and the show was different from adults that have already experienced the real world.

An interview from Ashley Pierce, a Sophomore at the university:

Have you ever watched Deal or No Deal?
(if not have you heard of the show)
I have watched it once or twice but know only a little about the show.

Have you ever been on Deal or No Deals’ website?
(if so what did you think about it)
No

Have you ever blogged about something?
(have you heard of blogging)
I blogged for a short time in high school, but didn't pursue it into college

What are you feelings towards Deal or No Deal? Do you like it, the concept? Is there something about the show you would change?
The show is interesting since the concept of the show is unique. I don't know enough about it to know what I would change.

Did you know there is more than one version of the show?
I did not know that!

When was the 1st time you watched the show?
About a month ago.

What is the most memorable scene you can remember about the show?
When I was trying to figure it out and the people were really excited when the briefcases were opened and there was a small amount listed inside. I was trying to figure out the concept of the show, so it was confusing!

Do you think greed gets to people on the show?
Yes, they go for the top dollar which actually the top 5 or 6 amounts are a lot too.

Do you think money gets to people more now than it did 20 years ago?
Yes, everything is much more competitive. To win the competition you need the most and best "stuff", and you need money to get it.

If you were on Deal or No Deal what case would pick to save?
27....just a guess

photo from Bellarmine University's website

What a US Marine thinks about the show...

I later talked with Brandon Harris a 20 year old Marine, which lives in North Carolina.

Have you ever watched Deal or No Deal?
(if not have you heard of the show)
YES.

Have you ever been on Deal or No Deals’ website?
(if so what did you think about it)
YES, I WENT AND PLAYED THE GAME ONLINE, AND IM GLAD THAT IT WAS ONLINE BECAUSE I WALKED AWAY WITH $50.

Have you ever blogged about something?
(have you heard of blogging)
YES ON MYSPACE

What are you feelings towards Deal or No Deal? Do you like it, the concept? Is there something about the show you would change?
I LIKE THE GAME SHOW, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE SOME PEOPLE THAT DISSERVE THE MONEY. LIKE SOMEONE WHO HAS SPENT THEIR WHOLE LIVE WORKING, THEIR NEVER GOING TO RETIRE OR THEIR A WIDOWED FATHER/MOTHER WITH 4 KIDS. OR SOMEONE WHO SPENDS ALL THEIR TIME WORKING AND THEN STILL HAS THE TIME TO VOLUNTEER, WHETHER IT BE FIRE FIGHTING OR AT YOUR LOCAL HOMELESS SHELTER. MAYBE EVEN HAVE A GAME WHERE THERE IS A REPRESENTATIVE FOR SOME CHARITY AND ALL THE PROCEED GO TO THAT CHARITY.

Did you know there is more than one version of the show?
NO.

When was the 1st time you watched the show?
I WAS WITH MY BEAUTIFUL FIANCE AND HER FAMILY AROUND CHRISTMAS.

What is the most memorable scene you can remember about the show?
SOME LITTLE KID DOING THE CARLTON DANCE ON STAGE TO GIVE HIS MOM LUCK.

Do you think greed gets to people on the show?
I DONT KNOW ABOUT GREED, BUT THEY MIGHT BE THINKING WHAT IF I JUST SETTLE FOR THIS AMOUNT AND THEN I REALLY DO HAVE THE MILLION IN MY CASE. I THINK THAT WE ARE ALWAYS TAUGHT TO GO WITH OUR GUT INSTINCT AND THAT IS WHAT THE CONTESTANTS STICK WITH.

Do you think money gets to people more now than it did 20 years ago?
YES I DO. BECAUSE EVERYTHING DIDNT REVOLVE AROUND MONEY AS MUCH AS IT DOES NOW. INFLATION HAS INCREASE ENORMOUSLY, JUST LOOK AT GAS PRICES. PEOPLE WORRY NOW BECAUSE 2/3 OF THEIR HARD EARNED PAY CHECK IS BEING SPENT ON GAS. I THINK THAT GETS TO EVERYONE.

If you were on Deal or No Deal what case would pick to save?
19!

photo from yahoo! images

What a mom thinks about the show...

I interviewed a viewer of the hit show to see what they thought of the show. Jeannie Carpenter, a 47 year old bookkeeper, and part-time stay at home mom, watches the show frequently.

Have you ever been on Deal or No Deals’ website?
(if so what did you think about it)
No, I haven’t, I don’t have time to surf the net.

Have you ever blogged about something?
(have you heard of blogging)
I don’t know what that means, people ask me that all the time and I have yet to learn about it.

What are you feelings towards Deal or No Deal?
I like it. It’s entertaining, people are stupid on the show, but I like it!

Do you like it, the concept?
It’s a fast paced, very entertaining, keep you on the edge of your seat show.

Is there something about the show you would change?
That I would be the contestant.

Did you know there is more than one version of the show?
I heard something about there being another one in a different show, but I didn’t know the layout of it was different. I just thought it was the same show.

When was the 1st time you watched the show?
Christmas

What is the most memorable scene you can remember about the show?
Well two things came to mind, when the one contestant didn’t want to make the deal but did under the pressure of her family, and after all was said and done she shorted herself $82,000. The 2nd one was when the Canadian lady children replaced the models opening the cases; I thought that was very family oriented. Oh I have something else, I found out that Howie Mandel has a fetish with shaking hands, that’s why he always knuckle butts everybody.

Do you think greed gets to people on the show?
Umm, I wouldn’t call it greed, they become unsure of themselves, and become afraid they won’t leave with anything. They second guess themselves.

Do you think money gets to people more now than it did 20 years ago?
Definitely, money is the root of all evil, I think you had to work harder for it twenty years ago, but people are more greedy about it now.

If you were on Deal or No Deal what case would pick to save?
I’ve thought about this, I want to say either 4 or 18.

Recently on the show…

Twenty-eight year old Tennessean Erin Burch appeared on the show, recently and boy did she make a deal. She not only brought along her husband, brother, and a co-worker, but her lucky pet rabbit. Oh, yes, a rabbit, not just a lucky rabbits foot, but an actual rabbit. The Banker even commented that he was going rabbit hunting after the show.

Burch works for the Special Olympics Tennessee; she commented that she planned on giving half of whatever she won to the organization. At first she was off to a rough start with losing the million dollar case after her second round of cases. But after a few small amount cases opened she was given the offer of $99,000, she didn’t take it. She told Howie Mandel the shows host; she wanted to walk away with at least $80,000. What greed setting in? She went on to open one more case. #21, the case had $100 in it. The Banker gave her the offer of $167,000. She took it and smiled with the help of one of her Special Olympic friends.

Next contestant…

Thorp Shanely, from Chicago was next, and was excited. The Fireman, which spoke of playing video games for hours at a time, was extremely happy, and excited to play. He brought along his wife, his mother, and a friend that he played video games with. Though the outcome of what he walks away with has not been air yet, he was off to a fine start. The first case he opened contained the $750,000, but he wasn’t upset because he knew the million was in his lucky case #20. His wife felt differently, she commented that they had agreed that he would pick that case, it was their wedding date. The show ended on Monday with the suspense at a high. Shanely was waiting for his third offer, and you will have to wait next Monday because Celebrity cooking challenge is on instead. The suspense is killing you I know.

And I thought I had seen everything…

Yes, folks we had a proposal, if the show couldn’t get any crazier a young man proposed to his girlfriend on the show. On national television the man got down one knee and asked. What a risk taker, not only being risky on the show, but had enough nerve to propose. She said yes to his relief, and went home with some money. Not bad for a day, win a good amount of money, get engaged.

What's been going on?

Last night an elderly woman, walked about with a pretty nice about of money. She didn't take a chance though and could have walked away $80,000 richer. Once again a risk is involved in this game. If the woman had really went with her gut feeling, she might have a bigger retirement to fall back on.

The models had a chance to relax last night, went they woman's family took their (models) place, of opening the cases. The woman had a strategy of picking case numbers that meant something to here. The number of years one of her sons had been married. The number of children she had.

It was another suspenseful night, with many commercial breaks and high offers. The woman was coached on by her whole family, and left with a smile on her face.