The following is an interesting perspective on local political blogging by Frank Simpson of Petaluma 360.
There has been a great deal of discussion-online & offline-about the role of bloggers and their impact in the media world. There are, of course, many types of bloggers covering many topics. Just look at the variety of bloggers on Petaluma 360 alone.
A few weeks ago, someone forwarded a blog link talking about the role of "political bloggers" in today's society. "Local Political Blogs are Here to Stay"
Frankly, it caught me off guard -- Me! A political blogger?
I am still mulling it over...not really comfortable with the appellation.
Certainly, I did not set out to be a "political" blogger. Truth to tell, I was not sure I wanted to do it at all until Dane Golden of the Argus Courier finally convinced me to give it a try. I recall arguing for a blog with no icon photo and posts under an "assumed" name. Of course I lost.
Now, a little over a year later I have gotten so used to the role that I described myself as a "Shock Blogger" at a recent Council meeting. I did not plan to say it--the words just fell out of my mouth. So much for my sense of decorum and propriety.
Therefore, I will confess and concede that, at times, I may be a "political" blogger if by "political" one means that I write about and report on certain community issues.
Blogging Style...
My preference is to focus on certain issues as opposed to personal criticisms or attacks on City Departments or elected officials.
Throughout the blogging exercise, I would like to think that I adhered to the last lines of the PINS Charter:
"Through the exchange of information we
* Identify and monitor areas that need attention;
* Research and discuss ideas for possible solutions; and
* Recommend solutions for consideration by local government, businesses, or other interested parties."*
In the last analysis, the above is a statement of what I believe the role of a citizen should be. But it is important not to take oneself too seriously. Humor is the best defense mechanism!
I will also confess that every time I write a blog I have a sense that it will be the last one--a writer's postpartum depression? But something always seems to happen (an e-mail, a phone call, a conversation) to bring me back to the computer.
I will close with this observation about today's media world...
One aspect of using the Internet to communicate, whether it is by blogging or web pages, does warrant special mention--the digital camera. In a manner of minutes (dare I say seconds?) a photo can be online generating comments and e-mails from around the world. It still gives me pause...
Visit Frank's blog at www.petaluma360.com/
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