To Blog or Not To Blog

Most of us using blogger.com have become well acquainted with the format and subjects upon which we discuss, review, rant, and even rage about; however it would seem that unknown to many of us, we are being watched and perhaps even studied.

According to Charlene Li, blogs are quickly becoming a source of influential information. Forrester Research believes that blogging will grow in importance, and at a minimum, companies should monitor blogs to learn what is being said about their products and services.

This being said bloggers are going to have more power than they realize, not to mention some moral and ethical obligations to report information that is true and accurate. Obviously if you use your blog as a diary of sorts, or a means to track your travels through Europe, these obligations may not be as important as say, reviewing the latest hybrid car.

My brother Robi, a long time blogger, has been threatened for content on his blog. He enjoys discussing and writing about political subjects that people tend to have very strong feelings about. In his words, "You just have to ignore the comments of those who are way out there."

If you intend to take your blog to the next level (get a publishing deal, take a position at a magazine, or even take a position blogging for a large corporation) you should probably mind your Ps and Qs, but if you just enjoy blogging, then by all means continue to blog about whatever tickles your fancy.