On yesterday's post, I received feedback from Mover Mike, a blogger in Oregon who shares some common views and interests with me. He wrote to say he had linked my site on his blog--in this way, little blogs grow larger. I'd like to thank him and return the favor by linking his blog here. It's exciting to be a part of in this vast experiment in new media, to find other bloggers who can help to stretch the ever-expanding horizons of Internet communications.
I've just started reading Hugh Hewitt's latest book "Blog" (click the link for what's got to be the longest subtitle of the new century). Written in Hugh's usual breezy, conversational, factual and to-the-point style, it's a terrific read for anyone interested in current events. But it's especially pithy for bloggers of today, perhaps even more so for those of the future.
Hewitt lays out the foundations of the blogging revolution in easy language, with cogent references to recent events such as the Trent Lott-Strom Thurmond debacle, John Kerry's decline under the force of the Swift Boat Vets story, and Dan Rather's demise in the wake of the forged Bush documents disaster. All of these very significant news stories are the direct result of the research and efforts of new media, i.e., the bloggers. Without the persistence of the bloggers, each story would have died a natural Old Media death. Because of blogs, each story was steamrolled into a huge news event, with Mainstream Media bringing up the rear on coverage. "Blog" likens the Internet news revolution to the advent of the printing press, telegraph, radio, and television. Each of these communication vehicles dramatically changed people's lives and world views. Blogs are having the same effect, at an exponentially faster rate.
Blogging is an exhilarating pasttime and an exciting conduit into the heart of today's modern communications. Bloggers launch their words into the cyberspace of the blogosphere, and there's no way to calculate the possibilities of how many eyes might read them. One of the biggest thrills of blogging, for me, is to log in and find comments from readers on my postings. The positive comments are always gratifying, but even if some readers have negative reactions, it's a powerful feeling to know your words are reaching around the world. It's a feeling that carries responsibility, an inspiration to present the reader with solid facts that are well written.
News and commentary will be presented very differently in the new century. Web logs, or blogs, to a large extent will determine the style and substance of the new format. I'm grateful to be plugged in and participating in my own small way. How about you?
