Is Travel Blogging Real Journalism

Is Travel Blogging Real Journalism -

Matt Note: Although I originally published this post years, much thinking lately about the topic I so I decided to update it in 2016!

Back in 09, one of the most interesting discussions on TBEX (Travel Blog Exchange conference for the corporate travel blogging and writing) was whether travel blogging was "real journalism." was the new online medium than print journalism as well? Were bloggers just thoughtful, thorough and well-researched than traditional writers? The famous Chris Elliott, he said no difference between traditional print and new online content watched. Blogging was just digital journalism, might as well as pressure, and should be maintained at the same high standard that we hold professional journalists.

I agree.

But journalists going to say out of the way, they are not bloggers and bloggers go to great lengths to call themselves bloggers. Why? Journalists think bloggers are not as detailed, unbiased and professional, and bloggers do not want to do things with an old, dying way be associated.

For me, blogging is a newer, permeable form of writing that discusses your thoughts and feelings, while journalism implies a bit more research, formality, and neutrality in your letter.

But blogging can be journalism, and if it is, it should be kept in the same standard. Blogging that the way educates done and provides readers with the same quality as the famous "fourth power" (we call in the US report) But as I think about the question

. "Is blogging journey today as good journalism?" In 2016, I have to say my answer, a solid no.

There is a large discrepancy in the quality. Travel blogging is not in the factual depth that you see in traditional print journalism.

Of course there are many, are many travel blogs. Some bloggers devote considerably more time, effort and research into the creation of - for lack of a better term - Free travel guide. Many bloggers are excellent writers and approach their websites and writing with the same integrity, honesty and research that many print journalists and travel writers do. (. In fact, some even more)

Back in 09, I wrote the following:

I have read a lot of sites, many niches. Some of finance blogs that I read so thoroughly explored with graphs and footnotes, it deserves scientific work. They know exactly what they are talking about and simply called a blog begins work. I think the same can be said for many travel sites. There are many great travel blogs, and they come in all shapes and sizes. While there are many are "Hi I'm in Italy, it's great here" blogs out there, there are a lot of travel websites that. 'If more than "just a blog of travel sites the topic, along with as guides cover writers that provide comprehensive websites and are really experts.

But unfortunately, I do not think that the case is no longer for the most part. In fact, I cringe at the term "travel blogging. "for me it often means a sloppy writing style, the use of the free press Blogger hotels, brands, products and tour companies would never or could never afford if they were not Shills travel.

pretty much everyone assumes that all my courses from an external party to be paid (they are not), because every blog seems to turn under the sun to sponsored travel or paid activities. most blogs are brand ambassadors more than they journalists are.

And that's perfectly fine. There is something for everyone, and as you earn money, is up to you. If your community does not mind, I do not

But when I think back to this central question :. "Travel blogging is as good as journalism?" I look around and go, "No, no, it is not."

My friend and mentor Jason always talks about service journalism and how everything is, how to help other people better travel. It is could across the deeper than the average tourist to obtain the information, the resource needs to be. I agree.

What I teach in my blogging school is that travel blogging should be held to a higher standard and that it should not only be a touchy-feely, "look what I did" thing. It is know-how. It is service. And it's inspiration

I said this in 09 .:

I like to think as an online journalist from me. I have to explore a lot of time and effort into the pillar. While sometimes not my signature perfect (I do not claim to be worthy of a Pulitzer), I get the numbers, I Facts that, I get the info before I write. I also make it a point to be impartial. My Contiki Post is a good example. I researched the numbers carefully, and while I slammed [the company], I also said that, although they do not, Contiki is a good choice for travelers for me. People will trust your opinion, but only if you are fair.

Thinking back now, six years older and wiser, I would say that I still agree. I'm not-protect journalism or long form writing. I'm a nuts-and-bolts type. The main purpose of this website is how you from A to B on the cheap after while you inspired to do this. Sometimes I'm hard (sorry, Vietnam), but I try to be honest and fair.

And when I look around, I see not much honesty. I've seen not much depth. When I compiled my 2015 list of the best blogs, it was really hard because I do not read a lot. I do not want to read about press trips and experiences simply that I travel consumers would never participate in. And what's sad that when I talk to everyday consumers at shows and speaking events, they most often feel that blogs should be taken with a grain of salt, because the content is paid the most.

we not only know if we can trust travel blogs (which is discussed another problem in this post here).

as I my archives reading and came across this topic, I thought this question and decided that it was prior to a moment many years as a travel blogging live just as well on the road was to be as journalism, has failed up to its promise the industry.

What do you think?

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