Citizen journalism is far more than just the latest buzzword being thrown about in media circles. It has important implications- and not in the ways you might think.

First, it forces us to examine what a journalist is. For generations we have avoided attempts to define journalists. A truly free press cannot be licensed. But recent events such as the Judith Miller case are fueling the movement for laws to protect journalists. The catch is that in order to give journalists special protection, you must define them. At the same moment in history, we are seeing a closing of the gap between the journalist and non-journalist and a broadening of the definition of journalist.

The public can only benefit from a more diverse collection of views, information and images. We as journalists will certainly benefit from letting go of the idea that we are the only keepers of information worth sharing. But we must be very deliberate when we accept and publish reader content.

Very few sources are unbiased observers. Even witnesses to major news events are not impartial. They are participants. Sometimes they are victims, as in the case of the London bombings, but sometimes, as was the case with the Abu Ghraib prison photos, they are contributors. Their connection gives them access, but it also gives them bias.

Most citizen photojournalism efforts involve accepting and posting images without paying for it. News organizations get content for their magic price of "a credit line." But the contributor always gets something for their efforts. We hope it is bragging rights, personal pride, satisfaction, etc.

But we must entertain the notion that there are less noble motives. Between the opinion blogs and the slide shows from festivals, there will be corporate representatives pushing their products, political operatives sabatoging their competitors, and neighbors using a public forum as a weapon against their neighbor.

Trained, experienced, ethical and professional journalists operate according to a code. Even when our personal feelings lean one way or another, we put them aside and make a valid attempt at fairness.

The inclusion of reader photos can be a great addition to coverage. But it should never replace professional coverage. ItŐs hazardous to call reader content "journalism" because the potential for manipulation is too great.

No entity has the right to determine who can be a journalist. However, in the rush to jump on the latest trend, news organizations have a responsibility to themselves and to the public to ensure that the content they present as news is accurate and ethical.