Is Public Debate Under Threat?
Are we entering an era in which newspapers censor what can and can’t be published on websites and blogs. I know it is drawing a long conclusion from recent events, but that is a possible result from recent events. Newspapers are now resenting people referring to their content and linking to it. This goes to the heart of public debate.
If they make comments, or write a story, that you or I disagree with, we should have every right to write an article with counter opinions. Now, from memory, you cannot argue, or give an alternative opinion, if you don’t in some way refer to the original content. This could include quoting snippets from the original and it would have to include some reference to the original material – normally in the way of link. We do this of course to make it easier for our readers to go and read the original content. They can then form an opinion based on both sides of the argument.
WebProNews reports on the issue and they have their own spin on the issue. Small Business Mavericks takes a different spin and asks – is linking unethical. I think newspapers may be taking this issue beyond common sense. Yes, they do have a right to their content as I have a right to my content. However, when I put it out there in public, I have to cop the criticism or applause. If people want to link back to me – I say yes please.
Some online news services now want to charge a fee for you link back to them. This is like the banks that charge us fees to borrow our money, or paying money for a tax service franchise to save us paying too much in taxation.
What these newspaper don’t realize is that down the track, the newspapers that stay open and who are prepared to welcome comments and inbound links, will be the ones who rise in popularity. They will be the online news services that we go to read. In fact, with luck, those newspapers will go the way of private school teachers - they are being laid off – so too will the newspapers.
Is this a potential threat to our freedom of expression online? What are your thoughts?
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Les Scammell and Les Scammell, Les Scammell. Les Scammell said: New blog post: Is Public Debate Under Threat? http://myradicalblogs.com/index.php/2010/01/31/is-public-debate-under-threat/ [...]