Are Bloggers Journalists?

Mashable published a story this week about a blogger who was fine $2.5 million by a judge because they were not a journalist.

So that's the big question: are bloggers journalists?

In my opinion, it depends.

Some professional journalists blog as part of their job. They are journalists.

But just because an individual can post a blog, choose a topic, and begin to write does not qualify as a journalist, at least in my book.

To dub bloggers as journalists somewhat cheapens a profession that is dedicated to objective, fact-based reporting. Journalists are trained in their craft and hold an ethical standard in terms of reporting truth based on fact in an objective manner.

Journalism's credibility is supported by the checks and balances of the editorial process. While one could argue there is no such thing, all respectable news outlets employ some sort of editorial process that holds reporters accountable with regard to fact-checking and quality control.  With most blogs, this one included, it's a one person show.

You can put me behind the wheel of a race car but that does not make me a race car driver. It makes me dangerous. The same goes for bloggers, IMHO.

What do you think?

Should bloggers enjoy the same protections as professional journalists?

Is there a threshold that defines when a blogger crosses over into the official realm of professional journalism?