We're the Military and Airpower Guys of Jonah Goldberg of National Review Online + a stray we found wandering around looking lost. All original material JHD, BHD, JR, WT, and KA 2003-2007 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/11/blogworld_expo.html Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:47:47 Z Movable Type 4.12 en Copyright 2008 http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification I'm sitting in the "Right vs Left: Who's Winning the Battle of the Blogosphere?" which is, interestingly, not well attended. Many of the people here at the Expo are in the "How to do it, and how to make money at it" sessions. Good for them. I'm looking over Markos Moulitsa's shoulder as he is either live-blogging things, or, more likely, answering email. He's also reading, reading, reading... Hugh Hewitt just asked Markos about what the Progressive side of the 'sphere was doing to grow their own bloggers... and Markos said, "We've got something working - but I'm not going... http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/11/blogworld_expo.html http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/11/blogworld_expo.html Fri, 09 Nov 2007 12:29:08 -0600 Rivrdog - depends on why you blog, whether it helps or not. I have had influence as a blogger. I know I have. People I have influenced (people who make policy decisions) have shown me where and how I (and those like me) have made an impact and effected change, however small. And bloggers in general have tightened up things for the MSM. Certainly we've not caused a metamorphosis, but we have caused, and continue to cause, change there, too. Some good, some bad. That's one reason I continue to blog. One more stone flung at Goliath's head. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/11/blogworld_expo.html#comment-66527 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/11/blogworld_expo.html#comment-66527 Sun, 11 Nov 2007 11:55:02 -0600 OK, let me summarize, if I may. 1. You met all the Tall Dogs of blogging. 2. They are all just folks, like you and I. 3. When they get into politics, the Lefty bloggers are, well, loony. Serious, but loony. 4. None of them will ever do anything past blogging to make a difference in the world. And THAT, boys and girls, is why I have stopped blogging myself and am devoting my creative energies to writing the definitive novel about culture collapse. I still READ bloggers, especially the really NEWSY ones like Argghhh!, but I truly believe, after 4 years of it, that my energies are FAR more likely to end in RESULTS by crafting this novel. Blogging was good for my soul, and I believe I may have even convinced a few folks along the way that some harsh realities have to be faced, but I've gone as far with it as I can. "Teasing" new work is very de rigeur as communications theory these days, so I may publish a chapter or two on my site in a while... Rivrdog http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/11/blogworld_expo.html#comment-66518 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/11/blogworld_expo.html#comment-66518 Sat, 10 Nov 2007 21:56:54 -0600 That was a good report. Your blurb on Markos “Screw’em” Zuniga was interesting. It’s well known that Markos is a political hound dog. He is a master of deflection, obfuscation and innuendo. He and his friends will never admit to being wrong about the war. Next, the observation that bloggers see themselves as a conduit around the traditional MSM is probably valid. But, bloggers need more boots on the ground where news is made such as Bill T before real gains are made. Now, don’t discount the possibility of bloggers becoming politicians. Most politicians made huge public blunders in their early careers – yet they still became politicians. Last, as for the “collegial” atmosphere at the Expo, I suspect that many bloggers realize they are getting in on the ground floor of something big. They are probably correct. Thus, there is no need to start swinging fists now. Thanks for the good report. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/11/blogworld_expo.html#comment-66502 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/11/blogworld_expo.html#comment-66502 Sat, 10 Nov 2007 04:02:56 -0600 I must admit the main thing i really read out of all that was the damn bacon. Although it's interesting to see you interact with the lefties and in a similar position to I was when i started interacting with righties in places like this. Yes the left has similar MSM issues. The core thing is MSM is selling stories that sell. It's irrelevant to them whether it's true or a good story. And MSM primarily sells to populism. The bulk of America must therefore not be all that inclined to left or right viewpoints. I'm wondering too, if it has ever been any different. Even back in the good ol days of word of mouth. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/11/blogworld_expo.html#comment-66496 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/11/blogworld_expo.html#comment-66496 Fri, 09 Nov 2007 23:20:59 -0600 Groupie definitely describes me. It was great to meet you and everybody else I met. The From The Front session that was going on the same time as the Markos blow-up was an outstanding one, and completely devoid of the fireworks that finally boiled over at the Right v Left one. Let's just say that was brewing Thursday. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/11/blogworld_expo.html#comment-66494 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/11/blogworld_expo.html#comment-66494 Fri, 09 Nov 2007 20:50:58 -0600 I, too, am envious. I would have liked to have met Hugh Hewitt in person. And Tom Nichols (met his wife already). And it would be great to see Carla, Andi, Rachelle, etc. again but I'll just have to wait until the end of the month at SpouseBuzz Live. in the mean time, I'll just live vicariously! Oh, and the Peruvian mashed potatoes with caramelized onions and bacon? Sounds delish. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/11/blogworld_expo.html#comment-66487 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/11/blogworld_expo.html#comment-66487 Fri, 09 Nov 2007 15:33:23 -0600 Oh, I think it reads worse than it is in person, Fuzzy. Everybody is being pretty collegial, all things considered. And we're back on topic. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/11/blogworld_expo.html#comment-66486 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/11/blogworld_expo.html#comment-66486 Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:34:17 -0600 Yes, "envious" is more accurate. I don't begrudge you a bit. But after reading the update, I'm not so sure about wanting to be there... that kind thing would've had me losing it and saying something really obnoxious, or heading for the door with a sick stomach. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/11/blogworld_expo.html#comment-66485 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/11/blogworld_expo.html#comment-66485 Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:30:33 -0600 Jealously is such an ugly word, FuzzyBee. Better, *envious* yeah, that's the ticket. I've been taking your message around, I assure you. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/11/blogworld_expo.html#comment-66484 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/11/blogworld_expo.html#comment-66484 Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:22:16 -0600 You are making me SOOOO jealous! *whimper* Seriously, please express my gratitude to the Valour-IT supporters if you get the chance. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/11/blogworld_expo.html#comment-66483 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2007/11/blogworld_expo.html#comment-66483 Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:09:44 -0600