Bloggers union, no; bloggers association, yes
Read/Write Web yesterday asked the question, "Is it time for a blogger's union?" My answer: A union, no; an association, yes!
After being chastised by some readers, the blogger, Josh Catone, remarked...
Union might not be the best term. I think what Mooney (the writer I referenced in this post) was getting as wasn't necessarily a union under the Wagner act, which doesn't cover independent contractors. Rather, he's suggesting some sort of blogger organization that allows bloggers to do things like organize for health care, get easier access to press credentials, get professional advice, etc.
This was an idea I fostered in 2004, which resulted in the formation of what the charter members chose to call the Professional Bloggers Association. It was warmly embraced by many, but never went to market. Personally, I think it was a bit before its time. The trend toward professional blogging was only getting its start then. Nothing compared to what it is today.
Lest I take too much credit, the idea for the PBA grew out of a discussion I and several others had with veteran blogger Wayne Hurlbert, who, in October 2004, suggested the need for a blogging chamber of commerce. (See here, here and here.) If we're going to get our history straight, the original idea for some type of association (CofC, Guild, Union, whatever) really belongs to him. I just put some feet to it.
Columbia Journalism Review writer Chris Mooney suggests that a blogger's Guild be formed to protect and advance the interests of bloggers economically, legally and otherwise. That's exactly the kind of thing the PBA included in its charter.
I agree with Mooney and Catone, something in the way of an association is needed. Whether that means that the time has come for the PBA to get its sea legs back, I don't know. I do know that the idea Wayne had four years ago was on-target and I'm glad to see the discussion reignite.
There was a promising association by the name of IBNMA that I met with last November. Unfortunately, their web site appears to be down.
Posted by: Todd Carpenter | March 20, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Todd, I'm aware of the IBNMA and know Rick Calvert. It could serve to fulfill all the functions that the RWW blog taked about. In fact, I know that happens to be Rick's vision.
Don't know why their site is down though.
Posted by: Paul Chaney | March 20, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Thanks Paul for the mention of the Blog Chamber of Commerce idea. You really deserve the credit for taking the original concept and adding value to it.
I don't think it really matters who gets the credit. What really matters is that the importance of bloggers be given their proper recognition. Many bloggers are denied media credentials and media passes to cover events in their areas of interest. Those unfortunate situations still occur, despite many bloggers who write at least as well or better than their mainstream media counterparts.
At the same time, such issues as health care, payment for service, credit for original ideas, and full business, community, professional, and media recognition are also required.
Keep up the great work, and don't let this worthwhile concept slip into the dustbin of history.
Posted by: Wayne Hurlbert | March 20, 2008 at 01:26 PM
Wayne, you're absolutely right. These are real issues which demand real attention. What's needed are a group of people who are willing to get their hands dirty at solving these problems.
As to letting this concept slide, to the degree that I have any influence at all, I can guarantee you I won't. This is a good idea, regardless of who thought of it first, and needs to be implemented in some fashion.
Posted by: Paul Chaney | March 20, 2008 at 01:35 PM