Gordon Students Mixed About Online Journalism

By Jesse Poole

Will the switch from paper to Web attract or repel Gordon College Tartan readers? Many things in today’s world transfigure to the Internet and our Tartan is now no exception.

This decision was not made based on student vote; but decisions such as, ‘big savings’ in the elimination of a physical paper. Also, many students access the Internet on a daily basis, almost reassuring Tartan staff that they will make a click for the Tartan.

Sophomore Rachel Bell, international student from Zimbabwe and Pike Scholar in International Development, has written for the Tartan three times previous to this new semester. Her articles include the subjects of homecoming weekend, a piece on saving gas by way of electric scooter, and on a student masquerading around campus as Joker from Batman. On the subject of the Tartan going ‘Webward’, she said, “I think it is good that it saves paper, but I think less people will read and access it.”

Bell raised concerns that it will not have the same effect on the readers than that of an actual paper. “People can’t pick it up like a traditional newspaper.” The new Tartan will not have the professional and cultural attraction that it once did; it may appear more as a simple blog-site.

Sophomore Steven Fletcher, Communication Arts major, says, he has his reservations. "It may allow us to have a lot more possibilities, but it loses its essence as a newspaper," he said. "I’d rather have print media.”

Salem State’s newspaper is going online, but they are also keeping a paper. Gordon students may have embraced such an similar idea if it were an option.

Either way it contains news and news is important because it sheds “light on issues,” says theater major, Heather Lobe. Besides, Tartan Faculty Advisor, Eric Convey, says, “Now your parents can see your articles easily” and there is no need to mail them a cut–out copy.