Part reaction, part rant, about the Forbes piece

Lewis DVorkin's article about today's ad environment was informative. I benefited from learning about the different types of ads, what they do, and what monetary value they have. Also, the fact that DVorkin has both journalistic and business experience makes him a credible source on the topic of ads in journalism.

As the article progressed, DVorkin seems to get more frustrated with journalists' attitudes toward advertising. He pokes fun and takes jabs at reactions, which to me diminished his authority a bit. On the topic of "powerful movements in the ad industry," I have a selection of responses that came to me whilst reading.

First, I have zero problems with sponsored ads on Facebook and Twitter. They aren't news sources and both have the ability to reach a wide demographic with a range of products and services. It makes sense to see sponsored content popping up.

Next, the big kahuna of paid content. I understand that paid content, also known as native advertising, is rising in popularity. I also understand its potential to bring in money. However, it is not news and should be treated differently on news sources. If I were in charge of a news source, I would put heavy restrictions on paid content (amount and design) and charge the hell out of the business behind the ad. To me, paid content has become a necessary evil in the world of journalism.

Finally, DVorkin used the term "brand journalism" which is defined as "knowledgeable marketers who are transparently identified and labeled as such providing expert information and perspective desired by consumers." I'm going to call a BS on titling this a form of journalism. By nature, businesses paying to have positive things about them featured on a news source is not journalism. You want paid content? Fine. You want is to appear on a screen or page like an actual story? Fine. But don't call it journalism because it is not.

In closing, DVorkin is currently not my favorite guy ever. His final paragraph about how new advertising will help the greater good of journalism by making it more relevant and of a higher quality is pompous and peevish. But I must give credit to Mr. DVorkin for inspiring a lively reaction in me. That shows that his angle and delivery did serve me a purpose.