From a post on the Atlantic‘s Media Diet blog:
“The upside of web-based journalism is that everybody gets a chance. The downside is that everybody gets a chance. I can’t really get on board with the demonization of credentials with phrases like ‘the media elite’ (just like doctors, airline pilots and presidents, I prefer reporters and commentators to be elite) and the glamorization of inexperience with phrases like ‘citizen journalist.'”
This is Aaron Sorkin, who created The West Wing and wrote the screenplay for The Social Network.
Sorkin hits the nail squarely on the head. I think it can be easily applied to aid workers. I say the same thing about political leaders as well. I do not want Joe Shmo running a country, we should have the best of the best.
I hear you, Tom. Someone needs to send that memo to Sarah Palin her followers, though.