NORG, print vs. online

It is thought that the NORG, newsgathering organization, is the next big thing in journalism. It is co-operative, fulfills the functions of a wire service aggregating coverage from small news-gathering entities.

this website is particularily interesting,
http://www.adlawbyrequest.com/2009/02/articles/in-the-courts/news-gathering-in-an-internet-age/

How does a NORG serve a democracy where not everyone has a computer, or access to the internet?
This seems to be a rather intriguing question. I would have to say that it is very hard to answer. Most of the older population still reads the newspaper for their information. If you really look at a newspaper now, there is a website listed to see the paper online, or for further information, which seems to be an attempt. Also, on TV they have listings to visit their website for more information or to post your comments or opinions. This is an attempt, but I don't think that it does a great job. It is difficult for NORG's to serve the public when not everyone has access to a computer. In today's day and age the younger population, almost all, have access to the internet whether it be via computer or cell phone.

I must also say that today's economy has a lot to do with this. It is expensive to buy a computer or labtop. Even though it is much, much cheaper than it used to be, people are not making as much money that they used to. Some people might not even have a job.

Younger people are more educated and know more about technology and the internet. They know what websites to go to, how to login to a computer, they know that most sites and information is free. I know personally, that I know how to access information online, whereas my grandfather doesn't even know how to turn a computer on.

This site, I found very, very interesting. It discusses print information, i.e. newspaper, compared to gathering information on the internet... http://www.shawnolson.net/a/1226/online-vs-print.html


It is also much cheaper to gather and view information online,
"It turns out that printed advertising, while essential for some markets, is becoming less effective as the consumer public learns to ignore ads. It’s no wonder that companies are seeking ways to maximize exposure while minimizing costs."