Skip to main content

Political blogging

Given Hazel Blears' attack on political bloggers, I thought I would highlight a fascinating piece on political blogs from Texas A&M University (I know it's an odd place to find this information, but my innovation team has flown out there yesterday and I was looking for various bits of information when I came across this story).

I wonder what the Welsh blogosphere thinks of the differing views of contributors to the article.

"Blogging can improve your communication, writing and analytical skills, as well as provide a platform for your opinion."


"Blogs can influence the voting process by getting more people interested in and enthused about the political process"


"I don't think [political blogs] have any impact. Partisans gravitate to blogs expressing their ideology and partisanship. There is only crystallization of opinions, as there is no exchange of opinions."

"The downside of blogging in general is that many people on the Internet contribute to the downward spiral of political discourse in America by spreading rumors, innuendo and untruths and by showing little or no respect for their opponents".

Comments

Anonymous said…
Yout thoughts on Wyn's report would be welcome.
November 06, 2008 10:25 am
Anonymous said…
"The downside of blogging in general is that many people on the Internet contribute to the downward spiral of political discourse in America by spreading rumors, innuendo and untruths and by showing little or no respect for their opponents".

My name is David Taylor and I claim my prize
November 06, 2008 4:13 pm
Professor Dylan Jones-Evans said…
Anon 1 - I will blog on this later when I have a copy of the report (promised to me by tomorrow)

Anon 2 - David is a good bloke at heart and I don't know why so many people have a downer on him. Anyway, I get on with him which is what matters to me.
November 06, 2008 5:58 pm
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

THE IMPORTANCE OF FRANCHISING

When we talk about start-ups and entrepreneurship, rarely do we discuss the potential of franchising not only as a way of establishing new ventures in the economy but also as a method of growing existing businesses. According to the British Franchising Association, franchising is the granting of a licence by one person (the franchisor) to another (the franchisee), which entitles the franchisee to own and operate their own business under the brand, systems and proven business model of the franchisor. The franchisee also receives initial training and ongoing support, comprising all the elements necessary to establish a previously untrained person in the business. This enables individuals to start their own businesses without having to develop their own ideas and utilising an existing brand and established market. Of course, whilst each franchise business is owned and operated by the franchisee, the franchisor controls the quality and standards of the way in which the business is...
Read more

THE CRACHACH

Unlike me, do you consider yourself part of 'the establishment' here in Wales?  As thousands gather for the Eisteddfod in Mold this morning, they will, according to some social commentators, not be participating in the greatest cultural festivals of Europe. Instead, they will merely be bit-part players in one of the annual gatherings of the great and good of Wales.  Unkindly, this set of the movers and shakers in Welsh society is known as 'the crachach' , and constitute a social class all of their own, dominating the educational, cultural and media sectors of Wales and allegedly looking down upon any outsider with new ideas, reinforcing mediocrity and failing to see beyond the limits of their own narrow experience.  They are said to live in a comfort zone that awaits the expected invitation to the next glass of chilled chardonnay and canapés, forgetting that due to their lack of leadership and drive, Wales remains firmly rooted to the bottom of the UK prosperity league ...
30 comments
Read more

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CREATIVE CLASSES

One of my favourite academic books of the last two decades must be the “Rise of the Creative Classes” by Professor Richard Florida.  This was one of the first detailed studies of the growing group of individuals who use their creativity and mental labour to earn a living and not only included those in arts and entertainment, but also people working in science and technology as well as knowledge-based professions such as healthcare, law, business, and finance.  Fast forward to 2022 and Professor Florida has written an updated report on the creative classes although he and his team now identify a different type of individual who is taking full advantage of the growth in digital platforms, social media, and online marketplaces.  Such ‘creators’ are defined as those who use digital technology to make and publish unique creative content, whether in the form of video, film, art, music, design, text, games, or any other media that audiences can access and respond to.  They ...
Read more