Journalists mark roads, not build them

Traditionally journalists have thought of their jobs to build, mark and pave the one road worth traveling that readers drive on their knowledge journey.

In new journalism, journalists provide directional markers that reader/travelers can use on multiple roads. They might provide one, but only one, of the better, paved routes available. Many of those roads are unpaved. Many don’t lead anywhere. Some will lead to new, exciting places. Because there are so many roads and roads are now so much easier to create, the value of those who provide clear, credible, valuable directional markers increases while the cost of providing a road itself is open to anyone with a computer and a keypad who can imagine himself to be a road builder.

A world is emerging where everyone will carry their CPU with them. It will be able to plug into big screens, little screens, e-paper sheets, full size keyboards and perhaps virtual keypads defined by detectable finger movements. The CPU will be a personal computer, cellphone, MP3 player, video capture and play device, camera, etc., etc., etc. And it will work high speed and wirelessly.

Journalists have just as important a role to play in this world. Maybe more important.