Clay Shirky: The Revolution of Mass Amateurization

(Google Images: Clay Shirky Quote)

Clay Shirky's description on mass amateurization varies in examples, however, it doesn't lack its meaning in any of them. In most of his readings, Shirky, seems to have a strong opinion on mass amateurization. He defines the meaning of it, how it developed, and how will it change the future of journalism. Shirky explains professionals compete against each other in their fields and against the new modern media outlets as well. Most media professionals seem to not take this ongoing digital media generation seriously as they believe it is no threat to them. However, after the printing press was discovered and globally used, technology just continued on increasing and improving. And whether professionals believe it's for the better or worst, one thing is certain, this era will continue to develop overtime. Shirky argues that, mass amateurization will be in the hands of citizen journalist, in amateurs.  I also believe that mass amateurization will continue to develop. Nowadays, and for quite some time now, the web has become that place for people to express their beliefs, thoughts, and ideas. It makes sense when you think about it, I mean when the real professional journalists are no where to be found and write a story for the public, who's always there? Citizen journalist are always there to witness or state their opinion whenever given the chance. Mass amateurization is a never ending process that really anyone can be a part of.

(Google Images: Clay Shirky)

"Given this self-suppression- old stories are never revisited without a new angle what kept the story alive was not the press but liberal and conservative bloggers for whom fond memories of segments were beyond the pale..." said Shirky (pg.62) He seems very aware at the fact that bloggers or citizen journalists state their opinions and say what they've experienced because free minds are able to express what the press can't. Every one can be a journalist today. Although, not everyone may be qualified to be a professional journalist, everyone has the ability to be a "wannabe" journalist. Technology has grown so much and because of it, mass amateurization has developed. Shirky said, "In the same way you don't have to be a professional driver to drive, you no longer have to be a professional publisher to publish." (pg.66) This video shows Shirky in an interview speaking his thoughts on the revolution of the new media and citizen journalism as well as mass amateurization. This just further explains the no need to have a journalistic title to be someone in the world of media. You no longer have to have a degree to earn respect and loyalty.

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My experience on his argument and mass amateurization is what I'm doing now. I'm a blogger and I'm blogging not only on what Shirky believes but, also my point of view on what he thinks and what I got out of it. Being able to state and express my opinions and try and explain his beliefs on this blog post is freedom of expression. However, I have had previous blogs in which I have participated in and I have obviously contributed to this whole mass amateurization development and although I am an aspiring journalist, I, as well as the rest of society have been part of this never ending process of mass amateurization.

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In addition, Jenkins, also explained mass amateurization in "Why Heather Can Write." The chapter spoke about a woman who started her own fan fiction blog where children were able to express their true writing abilities through the Harry Potter fictional fantasy series. The author used mass amateurization to help with children's freedom to write and create fictional stories that entice their skills as writers and self-authors. She wanted to develop literacy through the creative mind. "Through online discussions of fan writing, the teen writers develop a vocabulary for talking about writing and learn strategies for rewriting and improving their own work", wrote Jenkins (pg.192). This shows that mass amateurization is also an outlet for the development of literacy and future generations.

I think the future of media professionals will continue to develop and hopefully improve for the better. Though it's true that citizen journalism may have its cons because everyone wants and can be a journalist now it's easier for them to make up things farther than the actual truth. Not everyone researches what bloggers say and that can be a downfall to mass amateurization because people will be willing to believe every word that these people say. New authors are going to have to become more knowledgeable of the new developing media and how it's shifting amongst their eyes. People are becoming more aware and intelligent, that either they work together or they compete for life.

Books:
Clay Shirky, "Everyone as a Media Outlet"
Jenkins, Introduction to Convergence Culture.