Spring Break
Blogging a way to 'talk back'
Issue date: 11/28/07 Section: Opinions
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A blog simply is a Weblog, or an online diary written by anyone who cares enough about a subject to write. They range from Perez Hilton's on celebrity gossip to Professor Barry Hollander's "What People Know" blog regarding the media and why it matters.
What's the point of these journals? Blogs serve as a means of expression for those who may not have any other outlet and are a form of interpersonal communication, meaning they allow anyone with a computer to write about every topic imaginable for whoever is willing to read and respond.
They are cheap, easy and if you write well enough or about an interesting enough topic, people begin to catch on. Just ask Perez, who recently received 449 comments on a post about Angelina Jolie being named Entertainer of the Year.
Some journalists have become perturbed with this online trend, concerned the public is mistaking blogs written by ordinary, untrained people for "real" journalism. Numerous political bloggers compose post after post about candidates and the upcoming election without the restraints and fact-checking systems of newspapers and magazines. Blogs can be factual, but frequently lend themselves to the opinions and biases of the author.
But whether or not you agree with what a blogger is saying, successful blogs accomplish one thing - they increase interactivity, or communication between several individuals.
Blogs often attract those with the opposite opinion from what is being posted about. Conversation is created and controversies are discussed.
The Red & Black is no stranger to printing unpopular opinions on controversial topics, and we have jumped on the blogging bandwagon this semester. Readers can find everything from the CrimeDawg Blog, to Valentina Tapia's Style Files, to my very own Greek life blog, Greek Speak, at blog.redandblack.com/.
These blogs have given students another opportunity to talk back to The Red & Black, and the comments - both positive and negative - have come pouring in on several blogs.
And to me, a blog with negative comments is better than one with no comments at all.
To quote the farewell column of fashion columnist Emily Samuels, "it is important to strike a chord with your audience, even if they disagree with what you are saying. If people are talking, you, as a writer, are doing your job."
My blog, Greek Speak, has "struck a chord" with numerous members of the student body voicing their less than favorable opinions of the Greek community - I know, you're shocked. But their comments mean they are reading what is being said, which is the ultimate goal of every writer.
So if you have a lot to say about anything, as I know many of you do, consider leaving the opinions page of The Red & Black alone. Blog about it. And maybe if you say it well enough, someone will start paying attention.
- Christina Graff is the co-chief copy editor for The Red & Black.
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