The internet is ruining travel journalism!
The internet is ruining travel journalism!
The internet is ruining travel journalism!
No, it’s not.
Wait. Did you want more details?
OK, can do. But first, let’s review this statement the article ”The Internet Is Ruining Travel Journalism“:
“So, as we celebrate the latest bauble from Google or the newest app for our iPhones the trustworthiness of our media is being eroded.
Many would say that its place is being taken by the masses. Who needs a pro travel writer to review a hotel when there are probably 100s by ‘real customers’ on Tripadvisor?”
Google widgets and iPhone apps are KILLING US, people. Did you hear that? KILLING our ability to enjoy good, well-compensated description of enjoying a fresh pinot noir from a Bearded Boomer Dude travel writer (a.k.a. a BBD, see also: this explanation).
The best part is, I’m pretty sure Mr. Writer Man is keeping all his own iPhone apps, thanks.
But back to the main point about the Internet destroying all that is sacred and holy about print hotel reviews.
Remember how Amazon.com was going to destroy all bookstores forever? And how there wouldn’t be a single travel agency after online booking became a thing?
Well, some of that’s partially true. Certainly plenty of crappy Waldenbooks have closed, as have lots of travel agencies. But the good ones survived (hello, Powell’s!) and the online options that replaced them have made things better for millions of us.I can choose my own damn seat, and thanks to seatguru, know if the bathroom is across the aisle. Win.
The same is true with travel journalism.
Sure, there may be fewer boondoggles on newspaper expense accounts for BBDs, but travel journalism is flourishing everywhere, especially blogs.
Because of the internet, readers can now quickly, easily find information about frugal travel (unlike this article of absurdly obvious travel advice) and any number of helpful tidbits about the mechanics of travel (unlike this article about carry-on snowglobes).
Some winnowing has been in order for decades.
The internet is not a scary set of tubes. Repeat: Internet not scary tubes.
Please relax and watch this informative video if you need to stay calm.
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