Leah McLaren: Are You With Us or Agin Us?

I finally got around to reading the weekend papers, and came across a column by the Globe & Mail's Leah McLaren on how she's giving up the blogosphere. At least, I think she's giving up the blogosphere but it's difficult to tell. On one hand, she complains about how many blogs are nasty, they're “spectacularly boring” and there's too much “unedited noise”. Then, she goes on to talk about how some blogs are readable, including one by a friend. So, I'm confused, Leah. Sounds like you're torn but I can understand your dilemma. Yes, the blogosphere is full of noise and lots of crappy, unedited, self-indulgent writing, which makes it difficult to find the “good stuff” (however you want to define that). But there is also plenty of wonderfully  insightful writing that would otherwise never find itself into the mainstream. It's this mix that makes the blogosphere so exciting, frustrating, interesting and, even, boring. While some people are already talking about the blogosphere reaching its zenith, I – and folks like Newsome.org – would argue that things are just getting started. Over time, I believe it will become easier for people to easily discover whatever they consider to be worth reading. But to dismiss the blogosphere or walk away from it is premature. So, Leah, stick around for awhile. With a little patience, I'll sure you find it an interesting place to be. Who knows, you may even feel the urge to write your own blog.
For more thoughts on the blogosphere and who gets to blog, check out Mathew Ingram's spirited post today, which includes a nice comment “war” with Scott Karp. Meanwhile, the Wall St. Journal steps into the fray with a story on the need for a more pragmatic, less “obsessive” approach to the blogosphere.