In my exploration of how digital storytelling can be used to elaborate on the theme of adversity, I found on online article from Inside Higher Ed entitled “Getting Real With Student Bloggers.” The author, Eric Stoller, discusses the pros and cons of student bloggers being compensated by universities for telling their real stories. Using the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as an example, Stoller noted an example of a student who discussed both the challenge of being a successful student at the school as well as how those same challenges will benefit students after graduation. On the other hand, the author mentioned how a number of blog entries seemed to benefit the image of MIT rather than give an opportunity for student to express themselves.
I’ve found that it’s very important for a digital author to express themselves fully without any pressure or influence from the organization or company that hosts or maintains a website. Obviously, when an author is getting paid for their services, there will always be a certain level of editorializing. If an educational institution truly wants its students to learn about digital storytelling and how to build a career, it must give them a fair opportunity (with just compensation) to express themselves regardless of public relations or marketing agendas.