It’s refreshing to read an articulate defense of citizen journalism from someone with legitimate Old Media cred.

The relationship between “citizen media” and “traditional media” is complicated and evolving. I think it’s an exciting time to be a professional journalist. It’s important for us to be engaged in the evolution of our craft.

But I still see many traditional media-types — in both the mainstream and the alternative press — instinctively take a defensive stance every time the subject comes up. I think they have some legitimate concerns, but I often see those concerns obscured by anger and fear. It’s disheartening. And frustrating.

Thanks, Dan, for having an open mind, and for being a kindred spirit.

Seven Days’ deputy publisher and co-owner Cathy Resmer is a writer, editor and advocate for local journalism. She works in the paper’s Burlington office and lives vicariously through the reporters while raising money to pay them. Cathy started at Seven Days as a freelance writer in 2001 and still has the Rolodex to prove it. As the paper’s first online editor, she launched Seven Days email newsletters and started the paper’s first social media accounts. Cathy has overseen Kids VT, Vermont’s...