Re: resisting the label of journalist, there’s another dimension …
There are journalists who write for alt, smaller or even just right wing publications who get treated like they’re not journalists by ppl who work for larger, more established publications. And I mean people who are doing real reporting not commentary.
It’s a two-way street. Part of repairing journalism’s reputation is recognizing that people who write for smaller or even controversial outlets are journalists too. They may not be good or ethical ones in every case. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t one.
There are a lot of social politics. These exist elsewhere, like in tech, too— some companies are seen as unserious and you lose cachet working for them, there are right and wrong parties to go to, people who have social capital and those who don’t, particular beliefs that are trendy. But as the resources in media shrink, the social boundaries that may have once been useful probably cause more issues
yea I think that's fair! it goes both ways, where sometimes I benefit by being mainly a substacker (e.g. tech folks are less suspicious of me) and other times I lose out (got denied a grant for "not enough MSM clips even though we love your blog"). but I agree that there is real reporting that goes into a much wider range of outlets than like the NYT/WSJ/Atlantic set.
open source licenses are sorta technical, but they do a good job of communicating detailed policies -- creative commons in particular does a really good job of explaining itself
they provide a convenient handle for a bundle of rules and also introduce software users to learning and caring about the specific policies relevant to their use case (e.g. LGPL vs AGPL)
should there be named licenses for journalistic standards? "this outlet uses JSL 1.4, that means x/y/z about what statements are allowed in opinion pieces". it'd be useful for understanding an outlet's position, but it could also better socialize understanding what an opinion piece even is
interesting! I like the idea but also feel like people certainly won't try to parse different licenses if literacy levels are already this low... but yeah it seems like there could be some better reader education or labeling for individ articles
I think part of the tension between the tech world and journalists comes from the fact that technology — especially AI — is profoundly disrupting journalism itself. In response, many journalists seem to adopt a reflexively anti-AI stance, which can come across as biased. I do like Kevin’s work, but I’ve noticed that a lot of AI coverage in the New York Times, for example, tends to skew very negative and skeptical. Not in the more rigorous Gary Marcus way — but in a more reactionary, less informed tone.
Another thing I’ve noticed is that mainstream journalism on AI tends to downplay capabilities. Hallucinations and bias get a disproportionate amount of coverage — probably because they’re sensational. Meanwhile, actual breakthroughs are rarely explained in much depth. When they are covered, it’s often taking a backseat to a more clickbaity narrative like “China is winning the AI race” or “AI is taking jobs”.
There’s also a blurring of lines between news and commentary, as you mention, and it often feels like some tech journalists are pushing a particular agenda. A few sensational stories can build the foundation for a book deal about why TikTok, Meta, OpenAI, or [insert tech villain of the moment] is destroying society. That incentive structure muddies the waters between reporting and personal branding.
Kevin is one of my favorite podcasters and writers. I’ve been listening to Hard Fork since I first got into tech, and it’s been a constant source of clarity (and laughs).
His interviews are humble, curious, and a bit self-deprecating. It’s so helpful because I'm quite fed up with the “wait, you don’t already know this?” tech vibe. Also the chemistry between him and his co-host is unreal I'm like every podcaster secretly (or not-so-secretly) wants that kind of dynamic. Their banters are so premium and half the reason I hit play every week.💀😂
Also, very hyped for the AGI book from you and Kevin!!! Can’t wait for this epic collab.
Re: resisting the label of journalist, there’s another dimension …
There are journalists who write for alt, smaller or even just right wing publications who get treated like they’re not journalists by ppl who work for larger, more established publications. And I mean people who are doing real reporting not commentary.
It’s a two-way street. Part of repairing journalism’s reputation is recognizing that people who write for smaller or even controversial outlets are journalists too. They may not be good or ethical ones in every case. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t one.
There are a lot of social politics. These exist elsewhere, like in tech, too— some companies are seen as unserious and you lose cachet working for them, there are right and wrong parties to go to, people who have social capital and those who don’t, particular beliefs that are trendy. But as the resources in media shrink, the social boundaries that may have once been useful probably cause more issues
yea I think that's fair! it goes both ways, where sometimes I benefit by being mainly a substacker (e.g. tech folks are less suspicious of me) and other times I lose out (got denied a grant for "not enough MSM clips even though we love your blog"). but I agree that there is real reporting that goes into a much wider range of outlets than like the NYT/WSJ/Atlantic set.
Grammar in this atrocious apologies children playing LOL
open source licenses are sorta technical, but they do a good job of communicating detailed policies -- creative commons in particular does a really good job of explaining itself
they provide a convenient handle for a bundle of rules and also introduce software users to learning and caring about the specific policies relevant to their use case (e.g. LGPL vs AGPL)
should there be named licenses for journalistic standards? "this outlet uses JSL 1.4, that means x/y/z about what statements are allowed in opinion pieces". it'd be useful for understanding an outlet's position, but it could also better socialize understanding what an opinion piece even is
interesting! I like the idea but also feel like people certainly won't try to parse different licenses if literacy levels are already this low... but yeah it seems like there could be some better reader education or labeling for individ articles
I think part of the tension between the tech world and journalists comes from the fact that technology — especially AI — is profoundly disrupting journalism itself. In response, many journalists seem to adopt a reflexively anti-AI stance, which can come across as biased. I do like Kevin’s work, but I’ve noticed that a lot of AI coverage in the New York Times, for example, tends to skew very negative and skeptical. Not in the more rigorous Gary Marcus way — but in a more reactionary, less informed tone.
Another thing I’ve noticed is that mainstream journalism on AI tends to downplay capabilities. Hallucinations and bias get a disproportionate amount of coverage — probably because they’re sensational. Meanwhile, actual breakthroughs are rarely explained in much depth. When they are covered, it’s often taking a backseat to a more clickbaity narrative like “China is winning the AI race” or “AI is taking jobs”.
There’s also a blurring of lines between news and commentary, as you mention, and it often feels like some tech journalists are pushing a particular agenda. A few sensational stories can build the foundation for a book deal about why TikTok, Meta, OpenAI, or [insert tech villain of the moment] is destroying society. That incentive structure muddies the waters between reporting and personal branding.
Believe it. She’ll love the results of convergent.
Kevin is one of my favorite podcasters and writers. I’ve been listening to Hard Fork since I first got into tech, and it’s been a constant source of clarity (and laughs).
His interviews are humble, curious, and a bit self-deprecating. It’s so helpful because I'm quite fed up with the “wait, you don’t already know this?” tech vibe. Also the chemistry between him and his co-host is unreal I'm like every podcaster secretly (or not-so-secretly) wants that kind of dynamic. Their banters are so premium and half the reason I hit play every week.💀😂
Also, very hyped for the AGI book from you and Kevin!!! Can’t wait for this epic collab.