A couple of days ago Michelle Malkin wrote about a political blog that has several ad hominem attacks about her in the comments. I know this type of thing isn't the province of just one side of the political spectrum but it is ironic when it comes from the side that promotes PC behavior and is supposed to be the side that cares about people and their feelings.
Defenders of these comments talk about free speech or say that the blog author doesn't have control over what people post in the comments. I'm all for free speech but this is more like verbal anarchy. Setting limits on language isn't the same as banning the free expression of ideas and opinions...at least not the kinds of ideas and opinions that require thought and actually support a position rather than denigrate someone.
As a reader I can just avoid blogs (left of right) with language that offends me. As a blogger I would like to see weblogs gain more acceptance from the general public as forums for discussion. I don't see this happening as long as this kind of behavior is allowed, or possibly even encouraged, on some of the more popular blogs. Rant and rave all you want, it's your blog but know that you'll only be preaching to the choir. Joe and Jane Public will take one look and think that blogs really are as bad as the MSM says and you will have lost your chance to influence their opinions.
Do you blog to promote ideas or promote yourself? I guess it comes down to keeping your commenting posse happy (and stroking your ego) or trying to make a real difference and risk upsetting some of them by asking them to behave with some civility.
Posted by marybeth at April 9, 2005 07:20 AM Blogging