Blogging is here!

I heard Steve Rubel speak on blogging. He works for a PR agency and runs www.micropersuasion.com and gets over 2000 visitors a day. He had many useful insights into this emerging world. A key one for me is that a rapidly increasing number of people are getting their information from blogs as a first source or frequent source. It reminds me of the first internet patent given to priceline for its bidding system for airline tickets - it gave the power to the buyer just as blogging is giving the voice to the consumer. there are obviously numerous issues to be sorted out such as quality, legal issues, truthfulness, etc. Another example of the Wild Wild West of new technology that is sorting itself out. Westport CT ( called westport now - not sure of the address) has a widely admired blog becuae it is run by a journalist and has 3 dedicated volunteers ensuring the highest quality. Www.americantowns.com is also doing some innovative things in local search and in the blog area in some of its 86 towns ( working closely Westport Now and in Staten Island among many towns).