iReport.com Here we go...

[BG5150]

CNN has just started a "user-powered" news site, iReport.com


Welcome to a brand new beta site for uncensored, user-powered news. CNN built the tools, you take it from there. All the stories here are user-generated and instant: CNN does not vet or verify their authenticity or accuracy before they post. The ones with the "On CNN" stamp have been vetted and used in CNN news coverage.emphasis mine

What worries me is the bolded portion. The internet is already filled with enough unsubstantiated, incorrect, fallacious, rumour-mongering, misleading, libelous, [insert derogatory adjective here] crap. Now CNN is sponsoring a site to show off any idiot's missives that pass as "news" all in one place.

I'm thinking people will take any posting as a tacit approval of CNN. Soon people will be quoting these reports as agents of record.

I am truly baffled at this move from such a "reputable" outlet as CNN. Sure, it's great to try to get user content, try to get a community feel to the "news." Maybe it's just a way for CNN to get leads on stories without having to pay reporters...

[bjohnso]

That's disturbing. I'm having trouble deciding if the internet is a blessing or a curse. On the one hand, you've got tons of great information to be had. On the other, you've got mountains of b.s.

I guess it's not any different from the past.

[zen]

CNN is a part of the old dinosaur media.... who are all scared to death that they are losing influence over people........ er.... did I say that? I mean, they are afraid of losing market share... yeah.
Anyway, this is their way of trying to get a piece of the "new media"