Review of Shame the Devil

[Cara Wilding]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Shame the Devil" by Wayne J Guglielmo.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Burn it down! It is the first thought that comes to mind for many Americans when the topic of the news media is brought up. We are living in a time where terms like 'fake news,' 'disinformation,' and 'alternate realities' reign supreme. The growing polarization of society and the quick dissemination of information through social media have fueled the distrust of the news media to unprecedented levels. As a result, people are becoming more skeptical of the news they consume. Have you ever wondered if the First Amendment serves to protect free speech and preserve democracy, or if it acts to cover the falsehoods that serve to destroy it? Do you question why Americans can't seem to agree on what the truth is or how we can navigate the insidious repercussions of 'deep fake' technology and manipulation of the truth in our news media? If so, this might be the book for you!

Shame the Devil: How Critics Keep American Journalism Honest," written by Wayne J. Guglielmo, explores the history of key media critics from WWI to the present day in the context of their own experiences and with the contentious issues of the era. The author does an excellent job emphasizing the historical significance of a free and independent press as a fundamental pillar of our democratic society, enabling the dissemination of pertinent information to the public and hence helping informed decision-making on governance. He explores the complexities of a journalistic organization that relies on financial support and audience engagement, leading to instances of self-censorship, sensationalism, and the impedance of information flow. I especially appreciated the historical timeline of technology and its impact on journalism. He poses relevant questions about the continued viability of the First Amendment while simultaneously offering a range of reform proposals showing both the merits and challenges of tackling these concerns.

This is a heavy read; however, I found it eye-opening, thought-provoking, and persuasive! Learning about the inner workings of the press, whether it be print or digital, was intriguing to me. I was unaware of the true extent of systemic commercialization, political influence, or the effects of public disengagement from the news media. My favorite aspect of this book is the many references to George Orwell's book "1984" and how closely current events resemble those in that work. I will never look at the news media the same way again after reading this book, and rather than wishing for its demise, I will appreciate its role in our democratic way of life. Parts of this book made me uncomfortable because there were a few perspectives in it that were contrary to my own; however, the author is fair in his presentation of all sides of this issue.

There wasn't anything I didn't like about this book! Some readers might be dissatisfied that there are no conclusive solutions provided; however, I would argue that just being aware and understanding the problem is enough today. I wanted to give this novel a perfect score; however, the number of errors in the book makes me feel that it could have benefited from a professional editor. The conversation this book is starting has earned it a well-deserved 4 out of 5 stars.

This book would be excellent for those who want to understand the news media problem facing our country or who want to become more media savvy. It would also benefit journalism students, lawmakers, scholars, historians, concerned citizens, and, quite honestly, all Americans!

******
Shame the Devil
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Amy Luman]

This sounds like a very good book. I'm glad to hear that there are others, including those with influence, who have doubts about the credibility of the current media. It seems like we only ever hear one side of the story. Thanks!

[Cara Wilding]

This sounds like a very good book. I'm glad to hear that there are others, including those with influence, who have doubts about the credibility of the current media. It seems like we only ever hear one side of the story. Thanks!

It was one of the better non-fiction books I've read in a long time - a lot like finding a rare gem in a sea of clickbait! Unfortunately, the solutions are nearly as intricate and some as distasteful as the problem itself! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving me a comment

[MercyNdungu]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Shame the Devil" by Wayne J Guglielmo.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Share This Review

---

Burn it down! It is the first thought that comes to mind for many Americans when the topic of the news media is brought up. We are living in a time where terms like 'fake news,' 'disinformation,' and 'alternate realities' reign supreme. The growing polarization of society and the quick dissemination of information through social media have fueled the distrust of the news media to unprecedented levels. As a result, people are becoming more skeptical of the news they consume. Have you ever wondered if the First Amendment serves to protect free speech and preserve democracy, or if it acts to cover the falsehoods that serve to destroy it? Do you question why Americans can't seem to agree on what the truth is or how we can navigate the insidious repercussions of 'deep fake' technology and manipulation of the truth in our news media? If so, this might be the book for you!

Shame the Devil: How Critics Keep American Journalism Honest," written by Wayne J. Guglielmo, explores the history of key media critics from WWI to the present day in the context of their own experiences and with the contentious issues of the era. The author does an excellent job emphasizing the historical significance of a free and independent press as a fundamental pillar of our democratic society, enabling the dissemination of pertinent information to the public and hence helping informed decision-making on governance. He explores the complexities of a journalistic organization that relies on financial support and audience engagement, leading to instances of self-censorship, sensationalism, and the impedance of information flow. I especially appreciated the historical timeline of technology and its impact on journalism. He poses relevant questions about the continued viability of the First Amendment while simultaneously offering a range of reform proposals showing both the merits and challenges of tackling these concerns.

This is a heavy read; however, I found it eye-opening, thought-provoking, and persuasive! Learning about the inner workings of the press, whether it be print or digital, was intriguing to me. I was unaware of the true extent of systemic commercialization, political influence, or the effects of public disengagement from the news media. My favorite aspect of this book is the many references to George Orwell's book "1984" and how closely current events resemble those in that work. I will never look at the news media the same way again after reading this book, and rather than wishing for its demise, I will appreciate its role in our democratic way of life. Parts of this book made me uncomfortable because there were a few perspectives in it that were contrary to my own; however, the author is fair in his presentation of all sides of this issue.

There wasn't anything I didn't like about this book! Some readers might be dissatisfied that there are no conclusive solutions provided; however, I would argue that just being aware and understanding the problem is enough today. I wanted to give this novel a perfect score; however, the number of errors in the book makes me feel that it could have benefited from a professional editor. The conversation this book is starting has earned it a well-deserved 4 out of 5 stars.

This book would be excellent for those who want to understand the news media problem facing our country or who want to become more media savvy. It would also benefit journalism students, lawmakers, scholars, historians, concerned citizens, and, quite honestly, all Americans!

******
Shame the Devil
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Thank you for your insightful review of "Shame the Devil: How Critics Keep American Journalism Honest" by Wayne J. Guglielmo. Your detailed analysis provides a compelling overview of the book's content and its relevance in today's media landscape.

You've captured the essence of the book's exploration into the challenges and complexities of journalism, especially in the context of evolving technology and the increasing polarization of society. It's clear that the author's examination of media critics throughout history and their role in shaping journalistic integrity resonated with you.

Your appreciation for the historical significance of a free and independent press as a cornerstone of democracy is evident. It's also notable that you found value in the author's presentation of multiple perspectives, even when they contradicted your own views. This demonstrates the book's ability to foster critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the issues at hand.

Your mention of George Orwell's "1984" and its relevance to current events underscores the book's timeliness and its ability to draw parallels with dystopian literature. It's refreshing to hear that the book prompted you to reevaluate your perspective on the news media and appreciate its role in democracy.

Your critique of the book's errors and the absence of conclusive solutions is fair and constructive. While it may not provide definitive answers, it serves as a valuable starting point for discussions about media literacy and the challenges facing journalism today.

In sum, your review serves as a compelling recommendation for a wide range of readers, from those interested in media issues to journalism students, scholars, and concerned citizens. Your thoughtful assessment of the book's strengths and areas for improvement helps prospective readers better understand what to expect. Thank you for sharing your insights and contributing to the conversation about the role of the news media in our society.

[John Owen]

I agree it's not easy telling apart truth from lies nowadays, especially in this era of Artificial Intelligence and technology. I've seen on YouTube that it's possible to create a video of anyone along with their exact voice, just from a couple of minutes of their speech. The threat is real as terrorists can just create a video of a president somewhere declaring war or some other tragic scenarios, and by the time people would have realized it was all fake, the damage would have already been done. I can only imagine that it invalidates any and all video evidences, which may lead to two scenarios... Either someone who was innocent can be framed with a false video, or someone who is guilty can just play the "the video is fake and AI-generated" card. It's a crisis... Really.
It's nice that this book explores all these, with focus on media. I might read it some day. You have an excellent review by the way... Cheers!

[MercyNdungu]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Shame the Devil" by Wayne J Guglielmo.]

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4 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Burn it down! It is the first thought that comes to mind for many Americans when the topic of the news media is brought up. We are living in a time where terms like 'fake news,' 'disinformation,' and 'alternate realities' reign supreme. The growing polarization of society and the quick dissemination of information through social media have fueled the distrust of the news media to unprecedented levels. As a result, people are becoming more skeptical of the news they consume. Have you ever wondered if the First Amendment serves to protect free speech and preserve democracy, or if it acts to cover the falsehoods that serve to destroy it? Do you question why Americans can't seem to agree on what the truth is or how we can navigate the insidious repercussions of 'deep fake' technology and manipulation of the truth in our news media? If so, this might be the book for you!

Shame the Devil: How Critics Keep American Journalism Honest," written by Wayne J. Guglielmo, explores the history of key media critics from WWI to the present day in the context of their own experiences and with the contentious issues of the era. The author does an excellent job emphasizing the historical significance of a free and independent press as a fundamental pillar of our democratic society, enabling the dissemination of pertinent information to the public and hence helping informed decision-making on governance. He explores the complexities of a journalistic organization that relies on financial support and audience engagement, leading to instances of self-censorship, sensationalism, and the impedance of information flow. I especially appreciated the historical timeline of technology and its impact on journalism. He poses relevant questions about the continued viability of the First Amendment while simultaneously offering a range of reform proposals showing both the merits and challenges of tackling these concerns.

This is a heavy read; however, I found it eye-opening, thought-provoking, and persuasive! Learning about the inner workings of the press, whether it be print or digital, was intriguing to me. I was unaware of the true extent of systemic commercialization, political influence, or the effects of public disengagement from the news media. My favorite aspect of this book is the many references to George Orwell's book "1984" and how closely current events resemble those in that work. I will never look at the news media the same way again after reading this book, and rather than wishing for its demise, I will appreciate its role in our democratic way of life. Parts of this book made me uncomfortable because there were a few perspectives in it that were contrary to my own; however, the author is fair in his presentation of all sides of this issue.

There wasn't anything I didn't like about this book! Some readers might be dissatisfied that there are no conclusive solutions provided; however, I would argue that just being aware and understanding the problem is enough today. I wanted to give this novel a perfect score; however, the number of errors in the book makes me feel that it could have benefited from a professional editor. The conversation this book is starting has earned it a well-deserved 4 out of 5 stars.

This book would be excellent for those who want to understand the news media problem facing our country or who want to become more media savvy. It would also benefit journalism students, lawmakers, scholars, historians, concerned citizens, and, quite honestly, all Americans!

******
Shame the Devil
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Thank you for sharing your thoughtful review of "Shame the Devil: How Critics Keep American Journalism Honest" by Wayne J. Guglielmo. Your review provides a comprehensive overview of the book's content and its impact on your perspective on news media.

You've captured the essence of the current challenges facing the news media landscape, including issues like fake news, disinformation, and polarization. The book's exploration of the historical context of media criticism and its impact on journalism is a valuable insight into the complex relationship between the media and democracy.

Your appreciation for the book's historical timeline of technology and its impact on journalism is noteworthy. It's clear that the book has shed light on systemic issues within the media industry and made you more aware of its complexities.

Your willingness to engage with perspectives contrary to your own and your acknowledgment of the author's fairness in presenting all sides of the issue is commendable.

Your review is balanced, highlighting the book's strengths and acknowledging its few shortcomings. Your recommendation for a wide range of readers, from concerned citizens to scholars, emphasizes the book's relevance and importance in understanding the challenges facing the news media.

Thank you for sharing your insights and providing a valuable recommendation for those interested in this crucial topic. Your review serves as a helpful guide for potential readers of "Shame the Devil."

[Cara Wilding]

Your appreciation for the historical significance of a free and independent press as a cornerstone of democracy is evident. It's also notable that you found value in the author's presentation of multiple perspectives, even when they contradicted your own views. This demonstrates the book's ability to foster critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the issues at hand.

I believe you've made an important point about the book in that it encourages critical thinking and adeeper grasp of the problems at hand. Thank you very much for your exceptionally thoughtful feedback. I can see you put in extra time and effort with this response, which I greatly appreciate!

[Cara Wilding]

I agree it's not easy telling apart truth from lies nowadays, especially in this era of Artificial Intelligence and technology. I've seen on YouTube that it's possible to create a video of anyone along with their exact voice, just from a couple of minutes of their speech. The threat is real as terrorists can just create a video of a president somewhere declaring war or some other tragic scenarios, and by the time people would have realized it was all fake, the damage would have already been done. I can only imagine that it invalidates any and all video evidences, which may lead to two scenarios... Either someone who was innocent can be framed with a false video, or someone who is guilty can just play the "the video is fake and AI-generated" card. It's a crisis... Really.
It's nice that this book explores all these, with focus on media. I might read it some day. You have an excellent review by the way... Cheers!

John, thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your thoughts! Your example of the YouTube video is frightening because I could so easily see it happening. The implications and potential outcomes are heinous... I honestly don't care to think about how it could inadvertently spark a real conflict! You are so right, it can work both ways for people - convenient for many, but detrimental to most.

I really hope you do read this book one day because I can tell from your comments that you might actually appreciate the writer's message. Cheers right back at ya!

[Anaïs Quesson]

Once again, your review is insightful and very well-written. It is a pleasure to read your thoughts on this book!
Shame The Devil seems like the book we need in this day and age. You perfectly summed everything up. I am eager to give it a try — I'm no American, yet I have the feeling this book has universal teachings everyone can benefit from.
Thank you a lot for sharing this great review with us. Keep up the good work, Cara!

[Rob Carr]

Sounds like an interesting read. Thank you for the honest review. False information is becoming an increasing problem. It's interesting, a book that I read about a week ago on the possibilities of AI noted that might actually be one of the ways we could counter it by effectively offering live fact checking of content powered by AI so if people weren't sure whether a media article was fake news they could more easily check it.

[Cara Wilding]

Once again, your review is insightful and very well-written. It is a pleasure to read your thoughts on this book!
Shame The Devil seems like the book we need in this day and age. You perfectly summed everything up. I am eager to give it a try — I'm no American, yet I have the feeling this book has universal teachings everyone can benefit from.
Thank you a lot for sharing this great review with us. Keep up the good work, Cara!

Anais! Good to see you stop by again! I would agree with you, I think this is easily a global problem. There were a few examples in the book that discussed journalists getting killed and jailed for writing the truth in less democratic areas of the world...while America sometimes feels "too free" - there are extremes in the other direction too! Thanks as always for engaging with me!

[Cara Wilding]

Sounds like an interesting read. Thank you for the honest review. False information is becoming an increasing problem. It's interesting, a book that I read about a week ago on the possibilities of AI noted that might actually be one of the ways we could counter it by effectively offering live fact checking of content powered by AI so if people weren't sure whether a media article was fake news they could more easily check it.

Rob, it is unfortunately an increasing problem as you say. I'd be interested to check out your book! I was recenty discussing how people feel about "fact checkers" with my coworkers...and there was a wide response! The question became, can AI really determine the nuances of human language enough to do this job, and who is checking the checkers?! This book had some good philosophical talk as well about how the "truth" can never be absolute, with this point - could a fact checker determine what is not absolute? I'd love to hear what that book was...thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a thoughtful comment!

[Alice Heritage]

It's always been challenging to have a free and independent media, and journalists never seem to have been safe. It sounds as if this book highlights why this is all more difficult than ever these days. I guess understanding the problems is the first step towards a solution, so it would be amazing to see improvement in these areas one day. Thank you for your interesting and well-written review.

[Rob Carr]

Sounds like an interesting read. Thank you for the honest review. False information is becoming an increasing problem. It's interesting, a book that I read about a week ago on the possibilities of AI noted that might actually be one of the ways we could counter it by effectively offering live fact checking of content powered by AI so if people weren't sure whether a media article was fake news they could more easily check it.

Rob, it is unfortunately an increasing problem as you say. I'd be interested to check out your book! I was recenty discussing how people feel about "fact checkers" with my coworkers...and there was a wide response! The question became, can AI really determine the nuances of human language enough to do this job, and who is checking the checkers?! This book had some good philosophical talk as well about how the "truth" can never be absolute, with this point - could a fact checker determine what is not absolute? I'd love to hear what that book was...thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a thoughtful comment!

It was Impromptu by Reid Hoffman. His point wasn't that it would necessarily be more accurate than human checkers but it could be real time and more universal.

[Valentine Nyanchama]

Your evaluation is intelligent and exceptionally well-written. Reading your opinions on this book is enjoyable! In this day and age, Shame The Devil seems to be the book we need. Everything was properly summed up by you. I'm anxious to give it a try since, although I'm not American, I have the impression that this book has lessons that everyone can learn from.
I really appreciate you sharing this fantastic review with us. You're doing a great job, Cara!