This article clarified the innovation of microblogging, (Microblogging is a broadcast medium in the form of blogging. A microblog differs from a traditional blog in that its content is typically smaller in both actual and aggregate file size. Microblogs “allow users to exchange small elements of content such as short sentences, individual images, or video links”.These small messages are sometimes called microposts.) especially in China. In addition, the author talked about some concepts of nanopublishing, information hubs, grassroots media, civic twitter and self-supervising.
Microblogging is defined as “grassroots media” byDan Gillmor, (dangillmor.com/)an American columnist. It is of the people and for the people, and it can produce the civic news. Nanopublishing can be competitive with short content and large publishing amount. The number of microblogging followers might be larger than that of tradition media audiences.
Traditional media often combines news with advertisements. Commercial media may feel confused about how to make a choice between expanding its viewers and reflecting the truth. However, microblogging can be more independent and objective as it is usually created by all the netizens.
In addition, people-oriented microblogging can promote the development of civic journalism. It can create a great community for citizens to participate in public events and a container for public opinions.
Microblogging can become the “We Media” of ordinary users. “We Media” means a communication method in which ordinary citizens, empowered by digital technologies, can create their own news and stories. Microblogging owns the characteristic of individuation and interaction. It’s the platform for users to produce and consume content. Users can release their own tracks, lives and jobs. They possess their own online space, show their individualities and express their opinions in it. According to Murdoch, the president of News Corporation, young people want to control their media and not to be controlled by it.
Microblogging may become the new media for news communication. When an event takes place, professional journalists often can’t reach the spot immediately due to the time and distance limit. However, microblogging can provide the chance for ordinary witnesses to become the source of information. The witnesses can post the event information on their homepage through microblogs, photos and videos produced by cell phones. As the 3G cell phones own the functions of taking photos, recording, shooting and positioning, they can help users release multimedia information. Sometimes televisions, newspapers and news websites may process the original news. On the contrary, the news from microblogging websites usually comes from first-hand information of the site and is therefore more reliable and vivid.