Not to suggest that the Ends justify the Means, but some ends are more worthy than others. And when push comes to shove, journalists will be forgiven a multitude of sins as long as they are true to the facts. Where bloggers will be forgiven those same sins as long as they are true to their feelings.

A weblog is a first person narrative and we value that personal perspective. If they are personally involved in the issue, then so much the better – we’re receiving first hand information. We don’t expect to see more than one point of view, but we expect that point of view to be true.

Journalists aren’t allowed a similar personal point of view. We expect a more detached view point and presentation of alternate points of view. And we expect them to withdraw from potential conflicts of interest. The result may not be fair and balanced, but it attempts to reach that goal.

Series Index at Blogging and Journalism.