Peggy Noonan again…

I agree with Peggy. Internet and blogs more in particular are becoming more and more apart of our lives. We can post exactly how we feel about topics and sometimes people even leave there deep dark secrets on their blogs. Which is scary but I feel some people use it as a cheap way to vent their feelings without having to hire a therapist.

And if your blog is not anonymous then you can anonymously post comments on other blogs expressing your honest view point. Sometimes that view point is out of character for you and you just don’t want your close friends, family members, neighbors and co-workers knowing. Or maybe you want them to see your view point but just not from you.

I agree also that people do this on impulse. I am almost positive it’s always on impulse. Like she said, after a few choice adult beverages they have this great insight that they want to share to the word that they would normally never even think about. Or maybe it something they have been thinking about but just didn’t have the nerve to share it yet. The problem is after its posted, particular comments on another blog; you can not take it back. Then the next day they might feel a little regret or maybe think they went a little over board. However, by this point people have already read, commented and responded to your little insight.

I hadn’t really realized how many columnist, writers and TV speakers have taken up blogging until I did a little research after reading this post. It is a very good idea on their part. People will now read their thoughts on the internet and want to know more about it and read their column or watch their show.

Since I’m a student in Robert’s class, blogging has become a big part of my life. I agree with Peggy about blogging being an impulse thing. The things I’ve written on my blog site were usually written on impulse. I either read something or saw something that made me want to blog about it. Of course, my blogs are never anonymous, so there are some things I can’t write about.

I think some people do write about things that they normally would never talk about. Blogging is a great way to express yourself and get your feelings out there with out having to face a lot of negative comments. There are some people who make unnecessary comments about stuff, but no matter if we had the internet or not there would be comments like that.

The internet has opened up a whole new world to those people who aren’t comfortable talking to people. They are able to get their feelings out there with out talking to someone face to face. The internet has empowered people to speak their mind with out having to worry about the consequences. However, nothing on the interent is exactly anonymous.

I couldn’t help but laugh when another blogger commented…since I’ve been in Mr. Robert’s class blogging has become a big part of my life. Very true!

However, on a serious note I must say that I will continue to read blogs and be involved with blogging after I’ve fulfilled my requirement. Anyway, I said all that to say this to relate back to the post…the blogosphere IS no doubt a plethora of knowledge for all people!

I think it’s interesting that Ms. Peggy brought up the idea of the blogosphere’s ability to increase the expectations of opinion leaders and news sources. I’ve never thought about or read anything discussing this idea. But, it does make a lot of sense.

Blogging is free and is widely available to a great number and variety of people who encompass a large amount of knowledge. It seems obvious that this source of free and available combined knowledge will result in the increase of expectations from payed sources.

It seems like news and media outlets will have to be more impartial, unbiased, quick, knowledgeable, and overall more productive than ever to maintain their audiences. I believe this challenge of the blogosphere to traditional news will definitely increase the productiveness of these news and media organizations.

The article definitely has merit. Personally, I will not state an opinion in public unless I have a lot of points to back it up. I also will not write anything for school or work without proofreading and checking my sources multiple times.

The Internet is such a great medium because it takes away your inhibitions. People are generally afraid of face-to-face altercations, but Internet ones…NO BIG DEAL! It’s the truth isn’t it?

Now to an extent that truly is the beauty of the Internet. Finally, people are not afraid to voice their minds. In most of my classes, only a select few people answer the professor’s questions day after day. The rest of the class, I do not doubt have very valid opinions but, they are too afraid to speak up. The Internet helps people like this.

When it becomes a problem is when people are making statements just to be heard or get recognition. Clutter is a problem in media and advertising as well as the Internet. Many advertisers spend so much time trying to overcome the clutter that they end up with no real message for their target audience.

So I guess what I am saying is, the problems that we have with the Internet, we also have with radio, television, film, newspapers, etc. This is what has made consumers weary of these mediums. Nothing can control the content of the Internet. Consumers and web surfers must understand the nature of the medium and not take everything written on the web as fact.

It’s interesting that this conversation was posted because a fellow classmate and I were recently talking about how awkward it would feel to come back from Christmas break and not be required to blog. As Sara and Dana mentioned, blogging has become part of our routine – squeezed somewhere between studying and sleeping. However, I would like to think that I will blog despite requirements (or lack there of) because it has become such part of my life. I’ve actually have a better grasp on my major since I started blogging.

But I don’t think all blogging is impulsive. Yes, most people post about things that they find intriguing and important, but I would like to think that they take a moment to consider what they’ve written before they click “submit.� But doesn’t that consideration take away the spontaneous aspect? I personally spend a long time researching and writing so that my posts don’t appear impulsive. This is perhaps due to the fact that my weblog isn’t anonymous and I’m being graded, but as Natalie mentioned, once you post it, it is out there for everyone to see.

I agree that the Internet is an excellent medium for the shy and inhibited. It is great that the Internet is free and people can write their thoughts and opinions whenever they feel like it. But, as we’ve seen proven in class, even “anonymous� doesn’t guarantee complete anonymity. So, being “impulsive,� especially after a few martinis, may not be the best thing.

I agree completely with the point Peggy made about bloggers having to continuously up the ante on their opinions. To break through the monotony of the endless blogs on the web, opinion leaders must make bolder and more controversial statements.

I have noticed on my blog for Robert’s class, the posts that are most controversial or strongly opinionated receive the most comments. Posts that aren’t quite as bold receive little or no comments. Blog readers must sort through so much garbage; it takes something bold to finally catch their attention. Readers are looking for posts that shock them, infuriate them, or strongly agree with their views. The middle of the road simply won’t cut it.

Impulsivity can cause a blogger to get in a lot of trouble, however, I think it can sometimes work to a blogger’s advantage. As Peggy said, sometimes Grey Goose or a couple glasses of wine can cause a blogger to be harsh with their ideas and words. On the other hand, impulsivity can also cause the blogger to be more candid and let their real ideas and personality come through in their writing. Some of my favorite posts I have written came on a whim when I was feeling impulsive because of anger, happiness, or Grey Goose.

Athough it can be useful at times, impulsivity and extremely bold posts must be used in moderation. The anonymity of blogs should not be taken advantage of but rather seen as a useful medium to give and receive information and ideas.

Ms. Noonan writes (sounds) like a woman whom I would like to meet. Her realistic perspective on the current political scene is refreshing. She makes some really good points about the behind-the-scenes motivations for some of the extreme views portrayed by bloggers.

The extreme response by professionals to distinguish themselves among the Net is a perfect example of “hype” finding its way into the newest form of media. Will we ever find a way to simply say what needs to be said or to clearly and precisely display the facts of a story? It doesn’t seem like it. Not with all of the constant competition for the publics attention.

The Grey Goose reference makes a valid point. Bloggers must build a respected reputation and you can’t fool everyone. This seems to be part of the reason why bloggers are so exclusive regarding who they interact with. There is not much to learn from the ramblings of every Tom, **** and Harry. Time is valuable and bloggers must prove themselves worthy of your time.

Good and experienced bloggers use their own common sense filters to keep themselves above the rantings and blah, blah, blah of it all. I realize that professionals must succeed at the job they are being paid to do. However, this should not require that they lower their standards and add more fuel to the fire.

This clutter Noonan speaks about is everywhere. We are bombarded daily with advertising, publicity and even the truth on occasion. What we need to focus on is how we as consumers of this stuff can decide what is real and what is illusion. As users, when we research what we are fed from these sources, we can turn that into a way of communicating with our own audiences.

I think Noonan puts this article out there to warn people about what they are reading, but also to instruct people how to behave themselves. Allan Jennings of the Desirable Roasted Coffee blog puts out a code of ethics for bloggers to follow when posting that echoes her warnings.

As professionals, we can blog for ourselves and for our organizations. If we don’t respect the medium and are careless with the words we put into the public milieu, those words can come back to haunt us.

Thanks for sharing this article. I enjoy thinking about late night, alcohol-induced blogging, and can use this as I consider what to put here on this blog.

Peggy Noonan makes a valid point that clutter can happen and waste will occur.

With the American view of instant gratification, it makes sense that when we feel adamantly about something, we want everyone to know. With a blog, we can express our views instantly and feel better.

I think a lesson that all of the student bloggers, including myself, could learn is to think before we post. Sure, if you have a moment that you must blog without researching, rereading or thinking through it, save the post and read it after your emotions calm down.

I have written some of my best work while I have been full of emotions; at the same time, I have written some of my worst pieces while I was emotional. Thinking through the consequences of your words is important not only for ethical reasons, but also for your credibility as a blogger.

Like everything in our lives, we must filter our intake to figure out what we want to pay attention to. Whether it is advertising or a newspaper article, we chooose what we allow ourselves to pay attention to. But, let’s hope we post articles that readers would want to read.

Robert’s class has definitely been informative about the wild world of blogging. I definitely agree that it can be impulsive. Most of the blogging I have done has been on impulse and the internet is much like alcohol because it can help break down barriers that one might normally have.

Voicing an opinion can be hard for some people and the internet can give a person an anonymous way to get their point across. At the same time the impulsive blogging, much like a few glasses of Grey Goose, can have its repercussions. People can become irresponsible with their words and it can cause more harm than someone thinks.

Like Erin said, we are all constantly bombarded with clutter such as ads and publicity everywhere. The last thing we need is more of that clutter. I think blogging can be a useful outlet for many people, personally and professionally. But, much like alcohol, it can be abused.

I don’t think there is anything wrong with posts being controversial unless you are writing a post just to stir things up. Opinions should be voiced and blogs create an easy outlet, but I don’t think people should use blogging simply to shock or irritate.

We have to remember that the Internet is much like TV and other news outlets. You can’t always believe what you read or hear. While people shouldn’t abuse the internet, other people have to remember not to take everything seriously.

Blogging has become a popular outlet for people to write about their opinions, thoughts and ideas. It is a good way for people to express themselves, especially those who aren’t as comfortable talking to others or debating with others in person. Blogging allows you to remain anonymous and you can interact with a variety of people who may or may not share your same opinions.

However, I do agree that blogs could become controversial or harmful to others or your reputation. For instance, when you are on your third drink or you had a heated fight with someone. There are times when you are not thinking clearly and may write things on impulse. Writing on impulse can affect your credibility, so it’s important to consider your audience and your timing. Once you write it, it’s out there for everyone to read. Marie made a good point to write down your impulse or emotional thoughts, but then step away and think things over before actually posting.

We are forced to research and think about what we are blogging about because we are being graded on it. But, I feel that the Internet and blogs wouldn’t be as fascinating if some people didn’t vent and write impulsively sometimes. There is a time and place for everything. I guess the same goes for blogs.

This is so true. So much of what we find online in the blogging world are statements made impulsively. People click submit and send without any hesitation because they will not have to face the reactions that the reader may demonstrate. I agree that what is driving this impulse is the desire to push through the clutter and obtain the responses that one desires. The level of drama and sensationalism that is present in much of the internet communication environment is an implication of social media for which we must watch out.