.......if you don't hitch too many of them together."
- Josh Billings
This cynical bit of humour rings very true at this time....it seems that folks everywhere are having a devil of a time when it comes to the freedom to speak their minds. In the realm of the internet, there are so many venues for discovery, discussion, education and opinion. It seems that the right to have an opinion, speak freely in a public venue has come into question as these little nuggets become permanent residents in the ether of cyberspace.
Information and education come in many forms. Considering the feelings and opinions of others is a way to grow, to become educated and informed, just as reading the newspaper or listening to the "news" that is available for consumption on the broadcast airwaves. To dismiss information entirely on the manner in which it is delivered is to isolate yourself from an opportunity to be engaged, gain insight or perhaps benefit from the experience or expertise of the author.
Blogging is no longer a "phenomenon"; it is a fact of life. Corporate entities produce them, and encourage their employees to produce them as well, to inform, educate and maintain contact with their customers and grow new business. Political entities produce them, to disseminate their messages to a wider, more tech savvy audience. The "fad" of the "blog" has become the BUSINESS of blogging, for the entertainment industry, the corporate world, the political arena....it appears that it is here to stay. The practice has become tightly intertwined with the more traditional information resources, to provide a new and interesting way to connect, inform and influence. Embrace its power.....use it to your advantage, whatever your purpose may be, but with care. Your writing here, in cyberspace, becomes your legacy. Assure that it represents you and your intentions honorably. It will persist long after you are gone.
