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Thoughts on blogging

Molly's picture

 Jo(e)'s blog and the comments it inspired got me to think a bit more about blogging than I have in the past.  I've never really blogged myself (aside from now, I guess), but I do consider it an interesting hobby, one that no one can ignore these days. Most of the people who responded to Jo(e)'s posting, however, have taken a more active part in the blogging world, and their views provided points of interest for me.

The response of Dr. K was nothing new to me.  Society has basically beaten to death the argument that the internet is changing the way people today communicate, and that just might not be a good thing.  Although Dr. K is not without a point, he or she is without an open mind.  Blogs and other means of communication that have developed through new technology provide a valuable outlet for some people.  A good example of this is mindspin, another responder to Jo(e).  mindspin expresses his or her need to write, and blogging fulfills that need.  I think that mindspin's response is an important one to read.  It's easy to be afraid of technology and choose to stay in the past, but those who choose to embrace the new technology might discover something worthwhile, as mindspin clearly has.

Comments

nk0825's picture

 After this week’s

 After this week’s reading, I too found myself thinking more about the art of blogging. I found Laurie Mcneill’s inability to classify exactly what blogs are—journals, online diaries or something else—to be extremely interesting and particularly helpful. While reading, I asked myself if the reason why I never read blogs was in fact because they seem to be a “gray zone” in society? (Obviously undefinable and therefore intimidating, like Molly points out).

Through class discussions and reading these articles I have realized that blogging has become a place where individuals can share their thoughts and ideas. For some then, cyberspace provides the anonymity participants feel necessary in order to speak their mind. I do see Molly’s point, however, I am inclined to align with Dr. K’s views. I believe that for many it is not a fear of the past, but a fear of creating a society based largely on relationships forged between anonymous strangers. Some may question what it could do to human interaction if it will one day be comprised solely by typed messages delivered via a computer screen. Cyberspace provides instantaneous results, and this largely parallels today’s societal demand for “immediate satisfaction.” As Dr. K says: "It's astonishing what's out there, but the information gets trivialized and made superficial by its instant, easy access." If anything, people (and not necessarily small minded people) may fear how the future will turn out if blogs continue to constitute communities.

 

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