Week 3

Many of this week's readings address ethical issues that need to be remembered when creating and evaluating blogs. Setting out these ethical pitfalls increases awareness, emphasizing the impact unethical blogging can have on such a wide audience. Perhaps naively, I was a little surprised at the implication that many bloggers don't take care in what they write. I would expect that, assuming there is no ulterior motive, the act of putting thoughts and ideas out on the web for everyone to read should encourage responsibility and increase quality.

I know I've just broken the third of Jakob Nielsen's usability mistakes in my title, but I just watched Juno again and that quote came to mind...anyways....

It was interesting for me to see how ethical concerns have come to the forefront in discussions of blogging. I think this demonstrates the growing maturity of blogs, and the attendant authority that blogs have gained. Traditional media may try to distance themselves from "amateur" blogs, but they are increasingly turning to them for content and leads. Anyone who listens to commercial radio can hear how much producers and on-air personalities depend on blogs for content (particularly blogs about celebrities).

Scout Blogging
Strategy 101 states, "Your objective is to develop content that draws an
audience." I agree. Developing your content, publishing frequently, and
following the unwritten oath of good blogging (blog with integrity,
credibility, and honesty), leaves writers nothing more than to follow up their
content with links to various pertinent subjects within the field. The icing on
a well made cake.