“Stand up and be Counted” is no longer standing up and no longer being counted. Its owner has deleted the entire blog. I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand it was George’s blog and he can damn well do with it as he pleases.
On the other hand the blog and all its comments were part of the history of one of the most interesting political campaigns in recent Arizona politics. In deleting it he deleted not only his own commentary but also all the comments from both left and right. Looked back on in a cool moment the whole collection might have helped us understand what was important to the electorate, and why.
Tuttle seems to have come to the conclusion that political blogging is somehow a waste of time—time that would be better spent in practical action out in the community.
I certainly approve of action in the streets, but I would remind George that the blogosphere is also becoming the great alternative press. At the moment there is a good deal more rant and a good deal less responsible reportage than we might want, but that will change.
Currently, the major non-opinion function of the blogosphere is editorial, pointing out stories that might otherwise have gone un-read and un-remarked on if some blogger had not said, “Hey, here’s an interesting story,” and added a link.
I believe that dedicated amateur journalists, like amateur astronomers, can make a significant contribution to their particular areas of interest.
2 comments:
Art,
Couldn't agree more strongly with your remarks.
What I would add is that George, and this is not uncommon, is coming from "either/or" as opposed to the "and." Who says that bloggers cannot be active in the community, and that those active in the community can't blog or post a comment now and then?
It is all valuable, and participation in one does not exclude or even detract from participation in the other.
And not to blow smoke or flatter, but if you deleted TDP, I would literally consider you guilty of a crime, perhaps not according to any statutes, but according to humanity and the laws of something higher. Yes, it is your blog, but for those bloggers who are lucky, what they create becomes something bigger than themselves.
Not clear how much this happened for George, but this has definitely happened at TDP. You have 50, 60, 70 + deep comment exchanges of rich and interesting material.
If you need a vacation, take one. But don't you dare delete the fabulous material many wonderful people have contributed here.
Thanks for the kind words.Yes,the comment threads were amazing weren't they?
And back atcha..."Sustainability et al" is part of my regular morning reading routine
Art
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