The "twitterisation" of investigative journalism

I was asked to answer these following questions in a blog post: so brace yourselves, here is my two cents worth

As the social media movement has taken over the country, it is only right and smart and most certainly productive to be part of these "communities". I am a tweep, a facebook fan and also I am active on google+. some of these sites get more attention than others but I try to maintain a strong presence on all of them. And like any convenience loving citizen,I am active also on Whatsapp and the apparently now outdated Mxit. And I  must say, I love the latter. i not only get to communicate with my friends, family and sources but I also have access to apps such as Bookly and bsmnart. both platforms that any self respecting journalist needs. they not only help with reading material but they also provide one with the platform to express themselves in writing, thus honing your skill, but...I digress.  

Social media  is any and everybody's best friend, as a journalist one has sources that they try to keep in touch with on a regular basis, and what easier and more convenient way to stay in contact than on say...whatsapp for instance? These sites provide us with an easy, quick, cheap and convenient mode of communication. at times I am too busy to answer a call or I am far away from my land line...but i am guaranteed to check my timeline every now and again or my inbox. this way, sources know that whatever they have to share with me I will see.

Just as with a regular media house, printing incorrect or unverified information has consequences, so it is very important that one doesn't forget their role. even though your social media accounts are yours and are run independently from your media house, your reputation is all you have at the end of the day. and as the saying goes, you are only as good as your last story is not clichéd, but true. Nobody will want to work with a journalist reputed to broadcast unverified and false information, hence it is important to not only use verified and trusteed sources and to double and maybe even triple check any and all information that you may get. 

social media participants are very opinionated and sooner or later some people will either disagree with your posts or views or even oppose them and when they do, they will react. It is important that you keep your cool and do not allow yourself to be drawn into what the twitter universe has termed, "twars",they have a way of getting out  hand. It is necessary that you consider those posts that are critical but not hateful, and you handle them with grace. those that are personal attacks on your character or nature are best left ignored because they are the ones that will get out of hand and land you in an undesirable position especially as a media practitioner. 

There you have it folks...my truth on the twitterisation of investigative journalism