Can we trust internet journalism?
Assuming that the rumours being reported by Joystiq and others are true, Jeff Gerstmann of Gamespot has lost his job for unfavourable reviews of Eidos software. Apparently, his report prompted Eidos to cancel their adverstising contract on the site.
How can we confirm or deny the validity of such rumours? The openness of the internet means that these stories travel fast and become known to many people, quickly. We truly are a more open society because of this candid channel of discourse. But this means that statements made are instantly subject to doubt and conjecture. People find it hard to give credibility to announcements from Gamespot or Eidos because of this ease of communication. After all, it would be exceedingly easy for one to pose as an employee of either company.
The whole incident highlights the unreliability of internet journalism. We have very little physical proof to base any of these "virtual" facts on and so they are all susceptible to disbelief. So should we take this as a cue to distrust all internet sources? No. Trials such as these ensure that fraudulent websites deservedly fail.
Our trust in the intergrity of journalists must be earned. On the internet, this is assured.
-The English Student
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