Gonzo 2.0: Citizen Journalism Gone Gonzo
“Life has become immeasurably better since I have been forced to stop taking it seriously.”
― Hunter S. Thompson
Gonzo…and Other Muppet Journos…
The mainstream media may be as progressive and liberal as it’s ever been these days, but it’s still a far cry from reality. Each talking head in Media-World serves someone at one point or another; even “cool” mainstream media brands like MTV, Rolling Stone, etc, are pushing an agenda for whoever pays them. This is the beauty of citizen journalism; it’s the only way that we find truly independent news sources online
The same technology that allows for government programs like PRISM, Domain Awareness, and the Hemisphere Project have spawned something more powerful than any sword, pen, firearm, or amendment…we have instant access to video recording and streaming in the palm of our hands – no longer can the loser’s history be silenced. As a new generation born, raised, and weened online makes their way into the reigns of power in this world, how do we determine what is legitimate citizen journalism?
Speed of delivery, solidity of mechanics, popularity, reputation, and relevance of content are all important considerations when determining which records among the pile of citizen journalism we handpick among the vast amounts of government-monitored data to preserve in our digital and analog memory-filling systems as facts and/or valid and entertaining thoughts and opinions.
I am of the opinion that a citizen journalist is considered a true journalist so long as they report the facts as they were presented to them, and properly validate their sources. One form of journalism once considered legitimate is a barely-remembered autobiographical (which, even on Wikipedia, is thin ice on which to tread, I assure you) form of journalism known as Gonzo journalism…invented and popularized by Hunter S Thompson, who later took it with him to his grave…
Gonzo Citizen Journalism Anonymous…
So, in one of my wackier moments in life I discovered a concept that finally appeased the trail of thought that drives most people to fill their lives with so many possessions, obligations, and memories. Basically, in order to discover inner peace, I needed to answer some very difficult questions in regards to my core human beliefs, values, and perceptions. I reached the fabled state of nirvana and discovered my inner peace, but the process of doing so put me at odds with the banks, Scientology, and the government; I reached a point of no return and stepped on some powerful toes in the process. In order to stay alive, I reported my situation to the new media: Anonymous
Anonymous is a brilliant avenue in which to resurrect Gonzo. With YourAnonNews and other social media accounts, I can become both the journalist and confidential source – a valuable tool in these desperate times in which we all live. The open-sourced nature of Anonymous leads to a fast-paced gonzo hydra, in which independent citizen source/journos can submit their work directly to the Anon hive, allowing it to be promoted and gain traction organically. Anon is an ideal that answers to no one – the bias is pro-transparency.
Fear and Loafing…
With the hivemind unleashed, the true democracy of the internet will soon topple the old money on the East Coast. I spent the last few years recovering from the trauma of facing Bank of America’s retaliation machines while guiding government regulators on every front through my shadowy corner of the foreclosure crisis. After finally saying my piece to the FHFA, it’s time to walk away from the housing crisis to focus on something much more important…
Edward Snowden’s NSA leaks have made a lot of realities public knowledge, and there’s a very clear difference of opinion between governments, corporate media, and the general public. While Occupy flopped in many regards, it did a lot to evolve the US government’s crowd response tactics in the wake of the internet. Big brother has arrived, and the only way to deal with a bully is to find someone bigger to fight back.
Instead of watching the news, average citizens should participate by going Gonzo 2.0 and participating in Anonymous like I have. Everyone who contributes news of what’s happening around them becomes a contributor to the global citizen journalist movement designed to give each of us as individuals the same opportunities to write and rewrite history as any organization or regime. We live in a powerful time, my friends, and it’s time we utilized that power for something…
It’s time to usher in the Age of Anonymous…
Looking for a way to contribute to Anon and join the Gonzo 2.0 movement? Start with Project Mayhem…