This morning, I, along with Eric Baker from VCA, recorded a segment for On the Record with Joel Rubin. The show will air Sunday at 10:30AM on WVEC.
In the chitchat both before and afterwards (too bad you had to leave, Eric), one of the questions was why blog? What makes us put the time and effort into blogging, especially considering that most of us do this for free?
I cannot speak for others, only for myself. So why do I blog? I can think of a number of reasons.
First, I believe the MSM is missing the opportunity to educate voters. Our area happens to be a transient one. Just yesterday, I was talking to someone who has lived here only four years. She had no idea what the Dillion Rule was, couldn’t understand why we didn’t register by party, and certainly was confused about what the differences are between a Commonwealth and a state. In the MSM, a certain knowledge is assumed. I’m trying to build a portfolio of articles about these and other topics in my “Did You Know” category so that people can make some sense of Virginia politics.
Second, I blog because I have something to say. Where else could I go to have my opinion heard? The argument here is what if no one reads it? My answer: so what? Sometimes, it is just to get it something off my chest.
Finally, I have to admit there has been a side effect of blogging that I didn’t consider when I started. That is the relationships across ideologies that I have developed as the result. I’m no stranger to the internet, having gotten my first computer in 1982. But I think the Virginia blogsphere is a unique animal, driven by our every-year political cycle. The opportunity to hash out political differences, to discuss the nuances of political theories, is wonderful. It is a conversation that I wish the American public would participate in and I am hopeful that, in time, they will.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
I blog for one reason and one reason alone. It is a means to an end, i.e. get Democrats elected!!!
I blog to get disseminate ideas, and to have those ideas discussed logically and factually.
Good post Vivian.
Here here Vivian…I second everything you just said so well!
Thanks, Vivian! I am going to refer people to your explanation of the Dillon Rule from now on.
Another good post. While I’m not in Virginia, I find the same issues are prevalent in Washington DC. While working on a city council candidate’s campaign this summer, I found there is a lot ignorance about DC politics among DC voters. Some people don’t even understand the nomination process. Others don’t understand why almost everyone in town registers Democrat, etc. The MSM could help people understand city politics, but I’m not holding my breath.
The task of the MSM is the same as every other company — make money for the shareholders. Educating the voters does not sell papers.
Angela – welcome! I hope you will visit often.
Jack – evey business’ first priority is to make a profit. But they have a responsibility to the community that they serve. If we had a bunch of newspapers, I could understand your argument. But where I live, we don’t. And I say shame on them for not spending more time educating the public instead of sensationalizing the news. We have TV for that.
I’m looking forward to the Sunday show. You have a uniquely thought-provoking perspective on what’s happening around us and I really appreciate your point of view.