Why Blogging Is Important

Comment by Nicholas E (Guest)

Nicholas E (Guest) — Thu, 21 Jul 2005 09:42:40 +0000

The idea of anonymous blogging sort of intrigues me. It is pretty difficult to stay anonymous, and discuss things about your life. I read a few and can't help but try to figure stuff out. I'm just curious as to who they are. Though it makes me feel like a stalker. Some people never post a picture. So you always wonder what they look like.

Ken is not too anonymous minded, and he posts damn sexy pictures.

Comment by MonoCerdo (Guest)

MonoCerdo (Guest) — Wed, 20 Jul 2005 12:30:09 +0000

Well said!

The professor who wrote the Chronicle article you cited stated that, "Worst of all, for professional academics, it's a publishing medium with no vetting process, no review board, and no editor. The author is the sole judge of what constitutes publishable material, and the medium allows for instantaneous distribution."

To me, that's the BEST part about independent web publishing. The instantaneous dissemination of information coupled with the ability to bypass editors and publishing companies allows widespread access to voices that might never be heard within the confines of traditional print media. And, buying into the capitalist mentality, readers have exponentially more choices as we're no longer subject to the selectivity of editors and corporate review boards. Sometimes I just want to read about what someone ate for dinner or how they celebrated their birthday or what personal problems they're currently struggling with, and the blog is an affordable public medium that makes that possible.

Comment by Cori (Guest)

Cori (Guest) — Wed, 20 Jul 2005 12:01:40 +0000

My roommate and some of his friends were recently blogged-stalked. i.e., someone went through all their posts, writing down all the pertinent personal information they could find (including pictures of them, and even one couple's child) and did a detailed analysis of them and their personality. In a very negative and threatening manner.

As a result, my roommate has taken down his (well-written and fascinating) blog, and his friends who received similar are angry and frightened.

The worst of it is, it looks like it must have been someone we know, someone who is possibly friends with us.

Comment by Crouching Hamster (Guest)

Crouching Hamster (Guest) — Wed, 20 Jul 2005 00:32:32 +0000

I'm not quitting. They can take away my hamster wheel, my water bottle, and even my crunchy carrot snacks. No one is going to scare me into silence.

Why Blogging Is Important

Ken — Tue, 19 Jul 2005 22:32:20 +0000

And how it will change the world.