Similar to any online magazine or newspaper article, I think it all depends on a persons personal judgment on the blog and what the text offers the reader. If the blog offers only opinion based information with no credentials or references to support the claims than no that blog is probably not legitimate. I have seen blog pages consisting only of personal thoughts or life experiences, like a diary, and I have read blog posts that are a link on a news page and have no opinion but a further explored or update on a topic in the news.
The blog that I chose was from the Huffington Post in the United Kingdoms. I would consider this blog a legitimate new source because just at first glance the author offers a link to his credentials and full biography. Through out the article he offers links to campaigns and letters he discusses for his readers to further their knowledge on the subjects he touches on. He also lists references for the audience to refer to. If the blog offers a professional, nonbiased along with credited “article” then I would label it as a scholarly or news worthy blog source. There are many that lack to meet these standards and that is why I think people have to decide for themselves where to draw the line between legitimacy of a blog post.
Tatchell, P. (2012). Catholic archbishops have mislead people on gay marriage. Retrieved 3/2012, 2012, from http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/peter-tatchell/gay-marriage-catholic-archbishops-have-mislead-people_b_1343156.html
That is a pretty cool blog post, Mary. I also like how the blogger linked to the pastoral letter, so that people could read it for themselves and come to their own conclusions.
ReplyDeleteThe blogger makes it sound that the legalization of gay marriage in the UK is a done deal--is that the case? And did the government actually state that all religious figures will be required to serve any gay or lesbian couple who would like a religious clergy person to bless the marriage?
Questions, questions! I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Professor Wexelbaum