In-class Response 11/20/08

I typically don't read blogs, though some of my friends have blogs. I think, however, considering the field I work in, reading blogs may be helpful in analyzing audience and what is important in their eyes. It would help to dictate story ideas that would appeal to that audience. Blogs are important today because it seems the exercise of practicing free speech is more popular than ever. Individuals find it important to get their own words out and to be heard. People are excited about them as a form of writing because they can be informal--they aren't critiqued for grammar or word usage. You can say whatever is on your mind--you can rant. There are less rules to follow. Blogs seem open and participatory. They invite comment and opinions, though some opinions may be more appreciated than others. And blogs don't have to be used just as diaries. They can have themes. They can follow certain events over a period of time.