Michael Turton, instructor of Chao-Yang University, Taichung, 
was invited by Dr. G. Bell to have a speech for Internet Journalism course, 
in Ming Chuan University, on Nov, 16.

Turton moved to Taiwan at 1989; he registered as a longtime resident. 
He took PHD at NCKU and married a local woman. Now, he teaches in CYUT.

He has started using internet systems since 1996; 
then his main blog has established at 2005 in Blogger.

"There are 1.5 to 2 millions blogs in Taiwan, but less than thousands blogs are in English."Turton said. 
"And there are less then 20 foreign reporters in Taiwan."

Turton owns an English blog; 
which is described and commented multiple events from variety fields about Taiwan. 
It plays an influential role in local; it is also the second biggest English blog in Taiwan.

"Taiwan is discussed in the world media, and I want to change the way to let people know more about Taiwan." Turton said. 
Taiwan is a globalization country, its promoting to the worldwide is necessary.

Blogging is about building community, he stated.

The blogs just like a neighborhood, people can links to each other and comment on different articles. 
Users can promote the good work of other people and related events and activities. 
Blog owners can also do the daily reviews from blog systems. 

"While I raise the profiles and information of Taiwan into words on blog, 
more and more people would know the truth about Taiwan."Turton pointed out his views. 
"It's a lazy social method as well."

As being bloggers, they should clearly know what we are talking about; 
understand what they want to influence for the societies. 
Bloggers also have to keep themselves out of the issues; do equal judgments, 
so that they can earn the credit abilities from the audience.

Turton mentioned another reason for using the blog, is because of its efficiency and convenience. 
Technology transforms the world: 
internet media might replace the traditional one, it has gradually changed the way that how the news works nowadays. 
Internet articles can be published every day and every moment, 
the audience can also get the new information at the first time.

Blogging becomes an interest for Turton; he updates new contents in daily life. 
His blog also guides insights and visions of media in Taiwan. 
He said he love Taiwan, so it make him want to improve this country.

He browses a large amount of blogs from other people everyday, 
in the same time; he gets feedback from his readers. 
Owing to the countless readers of Turton's, he ought to press new articles from time to time.

"Because I have a lot of readers, so it's a pleasure for me to write my blog for them." He said.

Turton also talked about the public in Taiwan.

"I think Frank Xie, 
the green party will win the 2008 president election by more 3% from Ma, Ying-Jo." He declared. 
"But I think the Taiwanese students don't care about politics."

As being the secondary English blog owner in Taiwan, 
Turton hasn’t had any thoughts to advertise his blog. 



photos on 16,Nov


special guest: Michael Turton



Internet Journalism teacher: Dr. Bell



another special guest: Scott Sommer,
he also has an English bog, which is talked about Taiwan.






group photo: MCU International College Mass Comm2

 

Michael Turton is amazing!

It was the first time I met a foreigner who could thoroughly understand Taiwan.

Turton puts a great passion and attention in Taiwan; 
he has dedicated countless time and numerous efforts for years.
he explores various of beauty and behind stories in different places of this Formasa Island.
As being a locally born and bred Taiwanese,
I was very impressed by his speech in Internet Journalism course.

Through his lecture and blog,
I could strongly feel that Turton really takes a deep concern of Taiwan.
He has extensive views and knowledgeable thoughts to judge disparity of events.
From his teaching career in Chao Yang University, tourist diaries in scenic spots;
to political issues, economical observations and the opinion polls,
he could appropriately analyse and explain the details about Taiwan to his audience.

Though Turton is an American from overseas, he knows much more than the Taiwanese, 
and even being a guide to local people.
he is admirable.

Turton not only gave us a tuition, 
but also gifted me a spiritual lesson which planted inside my mind. 

I more love my country now:)