Journalists rely on people who are “on the ground” and familiar with the locale to add detail and at times break stories. Bloggers could be regarded as a new addition to the notion of stringers with their ability to communicate quickly around the world.
However as can be seen with the case of Tom McMaster, also known as Amina Abdullah, also known as the “Syrian lesbian blogger” (Ardley) it is not always apparent that bloggers are who they purport to be and this can adversely affect all journalists where this type of deception could, “undermine the credibility of the real Syrian bloggers and activists” who are “doing everything possible to keep informing their fellow citizens and the rest of the world.” (Reporters Without Borders, A)
However as can be seen with the case of Tom McMaster, also known as Amina Abdullah, also known as the “Syrian lesbian blogger” (Ardley) it is not always apparent that bloggers are who they purport to be and this can adversely affect all journalists where this type of deception could, “undermine the credibility of the real Syrian bloggers and activists” who are “doing everything possible to keep informing their fellow citizens and the rest of the world.” (Reporters Without Borders, A)
