The Australian’s War on Twitter (part 2)
Dr Mumbo is delighted to see that The Australian today continues its one newspaper war on Twitter.
Regular readers will recall that the newspaper dedicated its leader column to the topic last month, arguing that newspapers were the true “platform of the information age” and that Twitter was “spluttering out”.
After Mumbrella wrote about it, the piece generated a string of amused comments on this site (presumably because the Oz doesn’t itself have anything so newfangled as a means of allowing readers to comment on its online stories) from those who disagreed.
Somewhat comically, Stephen Matchett has today dedicated a column in the Oz to his argument that Twitter will never replace newspapers. Putting on his sarcastic hat, he says:
I’d just settle for media organisations and more journalists admitting to the news gathering advantages of Twitter. The example of the LA earthquake (which I blogged about) which was highlighted by thousands of tweets but barely registered in online news media.
“Aeroplanes are interesting toys but of no military value.”
Marechal Ferdinand Foch
Professor of Strategy, Ecole Superieure de Guerre
1911
They wouldn’t have anything to worry about if they did journalism, but since they gave that up years ago, it’s their own fault!
I think there’s some deliciously irony in this anti-twitter position of The Australian, given the way they’re trumpeting the fact that they’re the Online Newspaper of the year under their masthead.
You’d think they’d be a little more forward thinking – kind of like the advertisers on their site who are using twitter quite nicely … check out the screen shoots here – http://www.twitpic.com/5jhvc
Something rather ironic about the ad’s headline too.
Newspapers just don’t get it – we are still going to read the news in their papers – but the likes of Twitter give us the headlines much faster than the papers can. Why don’t they just admit that they use Twitter to know what is going on!
The problem with newspapers is that their online content is being basterdised because they think we only want to read blog style content. Quite the opposite – if we go to a newspaper we want the full story.
I love how he refers to Twitter as “software”. That’s the killer blow right there 🙂
Oh dear. I think this latest Australian piece might turn out to be its author’s “embarrassing Facebook photo”. Twitter has much to offer journalists: distribution, lead generation and search … among others. Reporters not using it are missing out.
Just to point out a mistake. You appear to be implying that Laurel Papworth is an informed commentator.
When the most powerful media organisation on the planet publically states that Twitter is giving them a run for their money in regards to real time information – one does question the head in the sand attitude of those still peddling 1-5 day old news? From a newspaper that has pulled its head out of the sand The Guardian in the UK…
“Google ‘falling behind Twitter’ – • Co-founder Larry Page says search engine has been losing out to micro-blogging site in battle to provide real-time information • Chief executive hints that Google could go into partnership with Twitter http://www.guardian.co.uk/busi.....artnership
Anonymous – big hugs.
Jeff Jarvis wrote a great book called What Would Google Do? which explained precisely this type of Newspaper elitism that will spell the demise of those who don’t adapt. Twitter has it’s growing pains (see my blog) but the USA numbers prove the simplicity and immediacy of it’s platform will ensure it endures. You’re right Gary Google aren’t going to let Twitter get away with it just like Ebay bought Paypal these companies are smart enough to see when they’ve been outsmarted.
“Who in the hell wants to hear actors talk?”-H.M. Warner, Warner Brothers Studios, 1927
“I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.” Thomas Watson, Chairman of IBM, 1943
Educated guesses
Yes Virginia, so long as as affluent citizens continue to tweet when involved in disasters – Twitter will continue to exist as the place for breaking news.