by
6 Comments

Authentic Media Sucks

posted on April 5, 2006


What the heck is “authentic media”?

Seriously, what does that phrase conjure-up in your mind. I’ll guarantee that until you read below, your interpretation of the above phrase will be different from the guy next to you.

“Authentic media” is the cute name that many bloggers are trying to convince us is a better alternative to “consumer generated media” or “user generated media”. What’s wrong with “consumer generated media”? It does exactly what it says on the tin!

I don’t like “authentic media” at all. And do we think we’re going to get much help from the already labelled “mainstream media”? Don’t you think they might want to lay claim to the “authentic” prefix?

If Powazek, Scoble and Zawodny want to help, why not focus your efforts in finding an alternative to “RSS aggregator” or “Web 2.0″? I have a harder time explaining that phrase to people than I do consumer generated media.


Related Posts

Zemanta
  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/12146305 Jeremiah Owyang

    On the flip side, all other media that is not created by users and consumers is therby inauthentic?

    Does that apply to datasheets, help docs, and everything else with a brand on it?

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/12146305 Jeremiah Owyang

    On the flip side, all other media that is not created by users and consumers is therby inauthentic?

    Does that apply to datasheets, help docs, and everything else with a brand on it?

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/1685318 Andy Beal

    Exactly!

    Sometimes I sense that “A-listers” just like to be able to take ownership of something.

    If it ain’t broke…

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/3189122 Blog Host

    I haven’t studied the term but is is obvious it is the bloggerati trying to separate themselves from the hoi polloi.

    So full of themselves to be sure. Myself, I find more useful information on subjects when I dig into the “common” blogger’s thoughts.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/9623916 Wade Rockett

    Whenever I describe RSS aggregators in presentations, I use that term only once. Then I say, “Or, in plain English, a ‘reader’.” My audience looks so relieved.

    However, I wish there were a better word than “feed” to describe what a reader…um…aggregates.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/1685318 Andy Beal

    LOL…same here. There are two battles; getting them to understand what “RSS” is and then what the heck an “aggregator” is. :-)

Filed Under: General