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If by this you mean advantages amateur "citizens" have over professionals, then

1) In the field of journalism they have none - less than none; they typically do not adhere to accepted standards and practices regarding News, Editorial, Features and layout of content.

2)They are unlikely to understand the true meaning of "The 4th Estate" or the Ethics we are sworn to uphold. They may have become embroiled in "citizen journalism" due to some agenda; many are left with easily corruptible morals to get what they want, taking bribes, making promises, even fudging the Truth. They do not have formal training in Copyright, Media and Shield Laws. With the best intentions, they could find themselves sued for libel - or worse - slander - OR WAY WORSE- threatened, assaulted or killed.

A professional journalist abides by Media Laws codified since 1787 - beginning with Freedom of Speech.

Reporters need to be aware that they may reports facts ONLY.

Columnists are given latitude to include subjective analysis - but it must be based on verifiable facts.

Amateur Journalists have little training in private investigations, digging deep for data and thick skin that keeps them strong and fearless when researching...say...a cold-case homicide and they start making headway.

If no one has ever threatened to kill you, you probably are amateur. If death-threats are little more than junk-mail to you then you have the thick, incorruptible skin of a Pro. If threats scare you to an irrational level - they must overcome it or forgo the profession.

Pro's have credentials (BS/BA/MBA/MD...etc) and belong to groups that review media law and ethics on a regular basis.

The amateur is easily corrupted by things like "paid product reviews" - in this case they ARE NOT JOURNALISTS any longer - they are paid yes-men.

Amateurs need to visit spj.org and READ the tenets of our society. These keep our ethics, morals and legals @$$es out of the frying pot. Pro's carefully fact-check and if they print a mistake they publicly redact it and apologize to the readers.

This is akin to saying "what is the advantage of an unarmed civilian compared to a Detective during a full-scale riot. ?"

Amateurs - commit to compiling objective facts, keeping an open mind and reporting on source basis only. Never take a bribe - even in barter. If colleagues find out your bill was comped at a restaurant the editors wanted your honest take of 100 yds from the crime scene said he ....well... bye bye credibility.

Pro's have credentials that verifies they are aware of the importance of writing based on what happened;not what the homeless dude -witness who was in the bushes said he saw.

"citizen Journalists" have zero advantages over a pro in the area of news writing and reporting.

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10y ago

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