Continuing yesterday’s theme of old men who are more than a little befuddled by these modern times, science fiction writer Bruce Sterling thinks that blogs are a fad and will have faded from the cultural landscape within a decade. Bruce, you used to be cool, man. Doesn’t he realize that he’s repeating the same line that has been uttered by the establishment whenever an emerging technology threatens to disrupt the order of things? Blogs aren’t even in the “emerging” stage anymore. They’re entrenched in the popular consciousness. Whether the topic is politics or your favorite band or how you got wasted with your friends the other night, we are all hardwired to put ourselves on display; to share our stories with others. I don’t foresee a retreat from that anytime soon.
Sterling is just going to have to get used to the growing din of human discourse. And really, is the prospect of more communication–more speech–something to be mocked and dismissed?
I have been blogging for two years now. A mere babe compared to some out there.
Blogs are obviously working for someone. I find writing my blog very therapeutic (I have one public one and one anonymous one so as not to embarrass the kiddies) and some have told me that my writing about ADHD and Learning Disabilities has helped them. While I don’t expect my blog to change the world, I’m happy if I helped even one person.
Jacqueline