Blogs VS Wikis

Both Blogs and Wikis serve as tools of communication and allow public feedback.  Blogs and wikis allow the writers the freedom to write what they want. Where they differ is in the platform of feedback each allows.  Wikis  allow the readers to to contribute and edit the content of the wiki. This also leaves the content of the wiki susceptible to inaccurate information because the information can come from anyone whether a reliable source or not. To have control over the content on a wiki, some wikis set ground rules.  For instance the most popular wiki known is Wikipedia.com has rules for its content.  Wikipedia has a neutral point of view and that contributers must interact in a respectful manner.
Blogs on the other hand are usually written by one or a group of contributers with one idea.  The contributer(s) control the content of the blog.  Readers of the blog provide feedback by commenting on blog posts.  In this case the information on the blog are also susceptible to inaccurate information because the content is written by one or more persons and they could be providing inaccurate information for their readers.
Blogs and wikis are starting to play a role in the institutions that previously did not use them.  Wikipedia is the most widely used wikipedia outside of the scholarly world.  Blogs have even been used as a way to catch criminals.  According to the article "Brooklyn Blog Helps Lead to Drug Raid," readers comments led to a drug bust.  Blogs and wikis can also be used for various other methods in the working world.  Popular blogs also depend on reader comments as a way to discuss a topic.   A blog that I frequent called "Black Girl Long Hair" many times imposes questions to their readers and leave room for a discussion.  
Blogs and wikis are truly the new face of collaboration and communication.  

Greetings Readers!

For my principles of new media class I have decided to cover the effect social networking sites have on American preteens and teenagers. 

Initially created for college students and working adults, social networking sites such as Facebook, have become increasingly popular amongst preteens and teenagers. I became intrigued on the topic after seeing and reading numerous coverage on its effect on this age group.  Based on what I have seen and read, the social networking world play a big part in their reality.  From how many friends a child has to how many comments on a picture are tied to actual popularity and a child's self worth.  Social networking sites introduce children to dark and light sides of the world not previously conquered by their former generation. I personally see social networking to be a corrupting factor in preteens and teenagers lives but as we go along you can be the judge of this.

~~~~~JW