Citius, Altius, Fortius
Social media can provide faster, higher, stronger platforms for expression. They are clearly faster than more traditional forms of publication. The parallel which opponents of blogging, and other moralists, may draw with the tortoise and the hare does not hold as that would be more like comparing apples and oranges. Take this blog, for example: the content would rot if were to be kept and later published as a book, or even as a traditional “article”, in tortoise-like fashion!
The “higher” part is not so well-defined. While it would be hard to argue that blogging is always morally superior, it may be viewed as being above traditional publishing in the sense of bypassing the hurdles of conventional reviewers, editors, etc. One is always a click away from publishing the next idea – no bureaucracy, and no fuss. The spontaneity of the pieces, and the transparency of reader feedback, may actually provide a slight moral edge.
For addicted bloggers and readers, of course, “higher” may take on a special, added meaning.
Finally, social media are stronger in the sense of their immediacy, global reach and impact. In their accessibility to writers and readers, they may also be considered fairer than traditional media, especially for the traditionally disadvantaged.
The Olympic motto “Citius, Altius, Fortius”, Latin for “Faster, Higher, Stronger”, can therefore apply to blogging, whether in the sense of civic engagement or not.
Let me know if you disagree.
Posted by May Mikati on 01 August 2012, 3:10 PM
Social media can provide faster, higher, stronger platforms for expression. They are clearly faster than more traditional forms of publication. The parallel which opponents of blogging, and other moralists, may draw with the tortoise and the hare does not hold as that would be more like comparing apples and oranges. Take this blog, for example: the content would rot if were to be kept and later published as a book, or even as a traditional “article”, in tortoise-like fashion!
The “higher” part is not so well-defined. While it would be hard to argue that blogging is always morally superior, it may be viewed as being above traditional publishing in the sense of bypassing the hurdles of conventional reviewers, editors, etc. One is always a click away from publishing the next idea – no bureaucracy, and no fuss. The spontaneity of the pieces, and the transparency of reader feedback, may actually provide a slight moral edge.
For addicted bloggers and readers, of course, “higher” may take on a special, added meaning.
Finally, social media are stronger in the sense of their immediacy, global reach and impact. In their accessibility to writers and readers, they may also be considered fairer than traditional media, especially for the traditionally disadvantaged.
The Olympic motto “Citius, Altius, Fortius”, Latin for “Faster, Higher, Stronger”, can therefore apply to blogging, whether in the sense of civic engagement or not.
Let me know if you disagree.
Posted by May Mikati on 01 August 2012, 3:10 PM
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