The fact that TMZ not only broke the story of Michael Jackson’s death, but also proved to be the main source of information for a lot of traditional publishing outlets makes you think. There’s no doubt that the blogs were first, and old media stumbled to verify and catch up in the wake.
In the words of Jason Preston, you can do something First, or you can do it Well.
The reasoning is interesting. If you do it first you get cited, seen, credit, traffic, readers, and so on. But if you do it well you can provide “real analysis” and “be interesting”.
True. But what is stopping you from being all that even when you’re first?One could argue that being first means that you can’t put any work in your piece, there’s no time for research, spellcheck or thought. Blam! It’s out there, now let’s hope we beat everyone true it.
Sounds like the tech blogs, doesn’t it?
Preston asks:
Would you rather do things First, or Well?
It is a viable question, especially to bloggers. We’re more attuned to a higher pace than traditional (ie old) media. It is worth thinking about.
Personally, I just want to be good. Preferably by publishing First while doing it Well.
