Virtual Journalism is the Shiz!

Yes, it is true, the intrerpid cyber-journalists of the SL infosphere have been the toast of the metaverse. Editor and Publisher has an article featuring our buddies Hamlet Au (New World Notes) and Dan Terdiman (News.com) and Herald Editrix Pixeleen Mistral, who *refuses* to release her ubersecret real life identity even to the prestigimongous E&P! Meanwhile Ethan Zuckerman worries about exanding journalistic coverage in virtual spaces while it shrinks in RL places like Africa. Herald Editorial Director Walker Spaight responds on MMO Pub, and meanwhile is the featured honorary egghead on Terra Nova (not bad for a 5X college dropout!), and to top it all off will be the featured subject at one of Jerry Paffendorf's Williamsburg loft fisting parties soirees. Add to that the recent interview of Herald founder Urizenus by Henry Jenkins and well it is clear where the future of journalism is going. Yes I know. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Quote of the Day (from the E&P article):

For wholly virtual reporters like Pixeleen Mistral, the question of real-world identities isn't even addressed -- perhaps not surprising for a journalist who herself is only known by a handle. "My reporting is about the world inside Second Life, and I confirm with the sources in world," she explained in an e-mail. "It introduces more confusion to drag the real-life person into the scene. It might depend on the story, but if you want to cover transgendered furries [avatars that look like the plush animal costumes of theme parks], getting a real-life name and contact might be hard."

Comments

[Prokofy Neva]

I am so thrilled that Pixeleen and the Herald have "arrived" by being mentioned in E&P. I was getting all ready to dash a furious letter to the editor when at first I saw only Hamlet and Daniel mentioned -- but then mercifully, they did the right thing.

I know people get all contorted on the issue of "RL v. SL only" naming. I do think there's something to be said for journalists who insist on RL names and only cover those willing to give them a RL name. I think it's good for people to take responsibility for their actions in SL, and it's good if they don't enjoy the shroud of anonymity. On the other hand, I can see the point of insisting on privacy, and being able to say, well, if you cover the virtual world, why can't it stay virtual? Isn't that the point of a second life?

[Walker Spaight]

bleargh, I hate all those blogs (MMO Pub) that just list entire posts from their original source, as was the case here. No matter, though, since we now win not only the IntarWebs but the old-skool print media as well. Go Pix!

[Urizenus]

Walker the link to the original didn't take. What was the original again?

[Jerry Paffendorf/SNOOPYbrown Zamboni]

BYOF, dude. See you Friday.

[Urizenus]

BYOF? Bring your own fist? Well I hope you're at least gonna supply the Crisco.

[Jerry Paffendorf/SNOOPYbrown Zamboni]

I'll supply the love.

[Urizenus]

I think I'll come anyway.

[Cocoanut Koala]

Get a room!

coco