Cheap shot or valid expression?
Mr. Lambert, I've noticed with the Sun's blogs, the only time anyone comments is when they think they have a forum to hurl insults at each other over some "sensational" issue. Otherwise, no one really cares....which is rather sad. This is why many folks take issue with the Sun's blog. People should be engaging in debates about the politics of poverty, or real social issues facing our community. When the blog is reduced to a litany of insults, wild accusations and comments from involved parties serving their personal agendas, you gotta wonder what the folks running the Sun are thinking? Just an observation (without insults and cheap shots like most of the blog consists of). Anonymous
I appreciate the observation and the sentiment. But I also think we need to be careful not to disregard aggressive commentary as merely "insults and cheap shots." I dare say that even this poster has a personal agenda; it's just likely at the other end of the spectrum from those he or she is taking issue with.
It's human nature. As objective, or progressive, as we might think we are, we don't like points of view that differ from ours, and as a result, we tend to see, read and hear what we want to.
Blogs are a sounding board - a high-tech version of the old town squares. Shutting off dissident voices, as some would suggest, might make you feel better, but are you better off for it? Who's to say that something you see as an insult isn't a valid expression of anxiety over a "real social issue facing our community?"
In the case of Operation Phoenix - which I can only assume the poster is referring to - the anger and frustration bubbling up in blogs such as this is very real. Those who ignore it do so at their own risk.
I'm in the same boat, by the way. While I might not agree with the conclusion of the poster, I'm mindful of the point he or she is making.
Comments
Anonymous You must live in LA LA land Most Politicians are Jerks. Lets keep Pounding Them I rate the Sun Newspaper A+ as well as there Blogs. By the way I always use My real name when Bloging. Please leave Me a Nasty comment I LOVE it!
Posted by: Bill Tuck Jr | September 8, 2008 8:37 PM
Personally, I love blogging. I think it offers a lesson in human nature. In some, it brings out the worst; in others, it gives them a voice that they are often too timid to express for fear of public humiliation. Blogging also amounts to instant satisfaction.
When I read the blogs of the newspaper in my hometown, I see a lot more participation but I think that is because their blogs have been around a lot longer and have been promoted more. The Sun seems to be making significant strides in increasing participation and that will only increase the quality of the blogs.
Sometimes when I read the comments on the blogs I am dismayed at the level of hatred and the lack of compassion. But one has to remember that most would not write those things if they were not feeling them. The anonymity of blogs certainly encourages trolls, but it also allows readers to vent in a safe forum.
Editorial pages have existed for as long as there have been newspapers. But as anyone knows who has submitted multiple letters to the editor of any newspaper, it is often hard to get a letter printed, either due to space limitations or due to the fact that the letter doesn't meet the content criteria of that editor (I'm referring to a different newspaper Steve!). With blogging there are few restrictions. One can disagree with the editor and still get his or her opinion published. And usually that opinion is published instantly or within a few minutes which encourages more debate. Debate is always a good thing.
Posted by: Sharon | September 9, 2008 12:52 PM