Send in the Clowns (OG contest entry)

Day 491, 19:56 • Published in Canada USA • by David Wayne Smith Esq

Dont Bother, They`re here.

Lately eRepublik has experienced a whirlwind of Joke articles, and unfortunately I think it has gone a little to far. I am not against the idea of having an article that makes citizens laugh when they read it, however it does seem to be taking a few things away from some of the more serious Journalism. Joke articles often garner more votes and can often even lead to more subscribers (although the latter may not ring as true) this unfortunately means that unless someone is leaving and giving away something for nothing people do not get the news. On a day to day basis not getting the news may not be so bad, but when you consider how many eCanadians this could impact its really quite a shock. If you were to not be proactive and search for new articles or read all of your subscriptions. The only news you would see would be on the main page, which lately has had many articles which are mainly farce articles.

This is not to say that a well written joke article does not have its place (or a tabloid type article or even an anti organizationalégovernment article). As long as its well written it should be considered just as valuable as other articles about more serious subject matters. The Problem occurs when the market is run by the farce articles and serious journalism gets pushed to the way side to see how many people want free Q1 food, or "Free" gold. I state again, not that it is an issue that these articles are being published (after all you spent the gold on the paper why not write what the heck you want!) but its the mob mentality that follows suit. The vote ups and comments that propel an article into the stratosphere even if the "giveaway" ended 46 comments and 58 votes earlier.

Solution? Well we have already had one great idea developed. A buyer/seller publication that allows people to sell or buy items by paying a small fee to the publisher. so far it seems to be effective and has removed a lot of the clutter from the news world. Another solution could be simply stop writting so many "Farticles". They lose theyre luster after you've read 12 or 13 a day.

Thanks for Reading and please vote up for the OG lit. contest!
David Wayne Smith Esq.