Writers on Writing

I chose an article titled, “Writers on Writing: Returning to Proust's World Stirs Remembrance," and it conveyed an author’s perspective on the writing. The article can be found at http://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/04/arts/04EPST.html. From what I understand, the author is saying that in life we look to other writers work to learn of their life experiences and opinions to base our own opinion. We read work by others and it helps us reflect on our own lives. But at some point later in life, as we continue to read and write our own stories, we begin to reflect on our own lives and experiences. I agree with that opinion and applied it to my experience with this course, Knowledge and New Media. Since this course started, yes, my perspective about a writer's responsibility in new media has changed. Until recently, I hadn’t realized the importance of needing to apply ethics to what is written online, shared via photo, multimedia or included in new media content. Like most people, I used to view social media environments as an outlet where I could express my own opinion and put my words out there for the world to see. Even though I am NOT journalist or have not officially dubbed myself as a writer, I know nothing but good can come out of applying ethics to my work so that it can be more widely accepted by others and make less of a negative impact. For example Kovach and Kosetiel confirmed that," Speed, in news, is the enemy of accuracy." This is taught me not just too blog, publish, or post pictures and video, without putting thought behind it and reconfirm my intentions. Plus if I am including work from other sources I need to realize that even if I'm passionate about a topic I must take time in verifying my sources and that I have properly check my facts. With my new writer's perspective, I have more ethical responsibilities than I thought. I am now aware that I must apply ethics regarding, confidentiality, honesty, privacy, truth, and social responsibilities. The repercussions of not applying at the guidelines, accepting responsibility for what I share or publish, might create disconnect and contribute to a breakdown of communication that I have with others. Because of the larger scale of readers and followers in a social Media environments, being ethically considerate of others will allow me to be better received and come across as less offensive, fair, and trustworthy. After completing this course, I am more confident with having an online presence, as a writer and creator of content, in social media environments.