Initial Reactions

In response to the classmate who had some qualms about blogging, blogs, and bloggers:

1) I agree with you that some bloggers aren't the best grammarians, or writers for that matter.  But - does someone's employment at a standard print publication (i.e. a newspaper) mean that they are actually a good writer?  Or are they just really good at AP style?  Or did they get the job because they are a white male who went to a good school?  Please reference anyone at the Philadelphia Inquirer or its sister publication, The Daily News (even Dan Gross, who I love for his tips, but wants in voice).  Most newspapers are cluttered with hacks who fail to report anything original or interesting, and hold stories back at the behest of PR people (let me remind you that, of all godawful publications, the National Enquirer broke the John Edwards affair story first and the LA Times bloggers were asked to NOT write about it!).  I also encourage you to read Deus Ex Malcontent and Pajiba for some truly stellar (and academically-sound) blogging.

2) Public vs private: is blogging too public?

Let me tell you this: the government owns every text message you send and thanks to the Patriot Act (and compliance from big business telecoms in return for FCC leniency), can arrest you on any of these.  CU owns your emails.  You don't even own the domain of this blog - and the company who does can release your personal information if subpoenaed.  And I could have appeared at your door even before the advent of the internet (where at least you can hide your IP or create an entirely new identity if you desired) - all I had to do was read, ironically, the NEWSPAPER or hit up the library or the county office because everything that leads me to you - deeds, birth certificates, police records, etc - is public domain.  Googling your name gives me less information.

Just a few things to keep in mind... the internet makes news more accessible to more people, allowing for somewhat less privacy and the lack of formal education.  But it doesn't mean that the old standards of privacy and gaining jobs by way of wealth/nepotism has become any more rampant than it was 50 years ago.