I’m really looking forward to attending the WeMakeTheMedia.org event on Saturday, Nov. 21 in downtown Portland.
I think mass communications history is being made right here in Portland, Oregon and I don’t believe many people understand that. No matter what happens as a result of this meeting, even if it results in nothing directly happening, the conversation will have been started in earnest, in a large-group format. However I don’t think nothing will be the result. Something will come of it all.
I’ve read all the working papers meant to prompt discussion prior to getting together in person. I recommend that anyone considering attending read these documents carefully. They’re a great starting point for the dialogue.
It's not a matter of old media vs. new media. It's a completely different system that will emerge.
I recently listened to a lively and intriguing “Intelligence Squared U.S.” debate moderated by John Donvan and broadcast on NPR via OPB-Radio. The October debate took place at New York University’s Skirball Center for the Performing Arts. Three panelists argued for the motion “Good Riddance to Mainstream Media” and three against in an Oxford-style debate. I came away from listening to this with the opinion that this isn’t a fight for turf between old and new media. It’s the process of melding the two into a new overall media.
I think that’s exactly what the WeMakeTheMedia.org meeting of the minds is going to start here in Oregon. I personally believe there is a place for monetary profit by selling news and information in the new world of media and I believe there is a place for non-profit activity as well. Both can work symbiotically in a way that could have never been imagined in the old-world way of thinking.
In the end, I know that the future of mass communications in all its forms will include many more voices but will have be united in some way through form and function if comprehensible messages and truth is to be communicated.
A cacophony of voices all shouting at the same time is just as useless as silence. We need some sort of order and I believe endeavors like WeMakeTheMedia.org are going to help put together such an order.
Join me at the conference. I’d love to talk with everyone and anyone about our role in making history together — united.
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Well put, Mr. Wilson.