“It is becoming clear that millions of people are turning to weblogs for news, information, commentary and entertainment -? just for the pure joy of taking in writing that’s vivid, vibrant, telegenic, emotion-laden, and driven by personal experience rather than the formula of detachment that deadens far too much traditional journalism. | What does it take to be an online journalist? You don’t need a professional publication with a slick Web site behind you, though it doesn’t hurt. All you really need is a computer, Internet connection, and an ability to perform some of the tricks of the trade: report what you observe, analyze events in a meaningful way, but most of all, just be honest and tell the truth.” J.D. Lasica —Random acts of journalism: Beyond ‘Is it or isn’t it journalism?’: How blogs and journalism need each other (JD’s New Media Musings)

The “group hug” tone of this article is perhaps a bit… treacly. But I can’t say I disagree with any of it.