Are Irish blogs just crap?

Do they actually achieve anything beyond a pub-style conversation among a couple of hundred (max) people? Do they actually contribute anything, in themselves, to furthering understanding or offering new information on any topic?

The only blog I'm aware of that genuinely does this is Damien's. And not through his views which, though sometimes interesting, can also be found in a number of different sources in the 'traditional' media. But through genuinely helpful devices such as his occasional Freedom Of Information requests, which, to me, bring his blog into the realm of proper journalism. As far as I can see -- and please correct me if I'm wrong -- nobody else bothers their arse.

Then there are the ranks of freelance journalists who proclaim the value and importance of blogging. That is, until they get a staff gig somewhere. Then their blog mysteriously disappears and they laugh it off as something they did to fill the time until they 'got a job'.

So does anyone actually take Irish blogs seriously? What do they contribute, beyond entertaining a group of about 2,000 to 3,000 people?

Also, are their creators simply classifiable as either:

a) people trying to canvas business for themselves
b) people who are bored
c) people who are lonely
d) people who are angry

Comments

[Robin Blandford]

Which are you Adrian, a), b), c) or d) ?

I've been all 4 of those over time and it's been wonderful for each.

Forget entertaining - my blog gives me digital validity. I have 4 years built up of genuine thoughts showing my character which gives serious backing when you cold-contact someone you want to collaborate with.

[Robin Blandford]

Which are you Adrian, a), b), c) or d) ?

I've been all 4 of those over time and it's been wonderful for each.

Forget entertaining - my blog gives me digital validity. I have 4 years built up of genuine thoughts showing my character which gives serious backing when you cold-contact someone you want to collaborate with.

[mj]

To be honest, I don't even consider Damien's blog to be exempt from these four.

Maybe you're just not 'getting' what blogging is about? What do you talk to people about? you know, in a conversation?

THAT's what blogging is about

[Green Ink]

2000-3000 people are reading? Shit! *fixes hair*
As for myself I find if I don't let my surplus brilliance out somewhere I get this itchy feeling in my brain. Does this qualify as an e)?
And do you qualify for an f)?
An f) is people who insist on reading things they think are just crap.

[JL Pagano]

"..bring his blog into the realm of proper journalism. As far as I can see -- and please correct me if I'm wrong -- nobody else bothers their arse.."

I'm going to tell you you're wrong, but not about people bothering their arse bringing their blog into the realm of proper journalism. You're wrong because that's not what blogging is only about.

OK, fine, you expect a certain something from blogs, and they're the only ones you'll read. I'm very happy for you. But the people who fill your categories (and I guess right now that puts me in "d") will still go on writing what they write whether it appeals to you or not.

[Will Knott]

As for people who aren't and don't aspire to be investigative journalists not doing enough investigative journalism for your liking. Well, circular logic only gets you so far.

Maybe you would be willing to teach us the way, and teach us, using your blog, on how to do these investigations. I think a few hundred well trained (even if we are bored, lonely or angry) bloggers might do you some justice.

Besides you forgot about Maman Poulet teaching journalists how to do their jobs when it came to Michael Lynn.
http://www.mamanpoulet.com/?cat=55

[Joe Drumgoole]

This is what the net news groups used to call "flame bait". The same tired old question can and has been asked of every information medium (new and old) and is essentially lazy journalism of the worst kind.

[Darragh]

Personally i find it useful to show what events are going on, to introduce people to people and to show a different side of both people and of myself. It may not "achieve" anything, but it's entertainment - I like what it is I do and am delighted that other people seem to as well. There's no point to blogging. That is the point.

[mj]

@WillKnott - succinctly put.

TechWire - you suck.

[Justin]

I think you need to look harder. I use my blog to write about anti-spam and new algorithms -- areas where I have a great deal of expertise. It's blogging, yet it breaks new ground and furthers our understanding of spam quite a lot. That fits your remit right there.

I know of a few other Irish people who use their blogs to write with authority about other topics, Bill de hOra for example.

To be honest, I suspect you're not bothering to look at the right blogs.

[Adrian]

Justin,

Yep, point taken on both examples you give. Guess I need widen my reading.

[Joe Drumgoole]

The comment posted on 28th July by "Joe Drumgoole" was not posted by me, Joe Drumgoole.

[Joe Drumgoole]

Comments are assigned out of sequence on this blog. my comment is ascribed to Will Knott.

[Adrian]

Thanks for letting me know Joe -- will try to fix that.

[cat]

be entertained