TechCrunch is frequently a great source of stories but I think they’ve got it badly wrong with the story about Tiger Woods titled, “This Is Why The Internet (And Twitter) Wins“.
The story says,
I’m reminded that this type of story is exactly why the web is destroying newspapers, and should eventually even take down television and the main source of news for most people.
and goes on to talk about how great Twitter and the internet are for spreading and finding stories quickly.
But it’s a bizarre example to use to hang these claims on. Because those stories were wrong.
As I said in my comment to the post:
Sorry, but disagree. The tweet you’ve got a screenshot of isn’t right. It’s wrong. Tiger Woods wasn’t seriously injured.
Story flashes round Twitter, and it’s wrong in one key part. How’s that a triumph for Twitter?
If anything, it’s a triumph for people who think Twitter is about passing round unsubstantiated gossip and to hell with the facts. As it happens, I think that view is wrong, but by trumpeting an inaccurate story as an example of how great Twitter is just plays into exactly those views.
Keep up with the latest news and analysis
about the Liberal Democrats with my
free monthly email newsletter.
I scour hundreds of blogs and dozens of media outlets for the best news and analysis - so you don't have to. It's completely free and you can leave the list at any time. So why not give it a try today?
You might also be interested in...
- Japan adds Twitter to the list of internet services banned in elections
- Are MPs going to have problems using Twitter during the general election?
- Why the new Twitter homepage doesn't work for me
- Paul Clarke case: nice use of Twitter by Holly Thompson
- "Twitter users: young, metropolitan and angry about civil liberties" – except where The Guardian gets it wrong
RT @markpack: New post: No, this isn't why the internet and Twitter wins http://bit.ly/8dwEqh
No, this isn’t why the internet and Twitter wins | Mark Pack <– I agree http://bit.ly/5K7h59
RT @darrenwaters: RT @markpack: New post: No, this isn't why the internet and Twitter wins http://bit.ly/8dwEqh
The idea of Twitter as a main source of news is a bit frightening. There was that case recently of the guy with the shotgun. At first we were outraged that he was going to prison for handing in a gun. Then we decided he was a nasty bit of work. Then we discovered he was suing the police and decided he was OK again as they clearly had it in for him … All in about 20 minutes!
Plus I’m not sure Twitter would have uncovered MPs expenses …
[...] 1 Likes BBC News – Five Minutes With: Sculptor Anish Kapoor 1 Likes No, this isn’t why the internet and Twitter wins | Mark Pack TechCrunch is frequently a great source of stories but I think they've got it badly wrong with [...]