I would be remiss if I did not respond to the New York Times article just recently in which a reporter asserted that bloggers were abandoning their sites in droves. (06/07/09)
For starters, some of the reporter's statements were terribly misleading.
According to the journalist, one source - Technorati (the largest blog site in the world) - alleged that blogs were sitting idle and not being updated on a regular basis.
Although that bold-faced statement warranted a follow-up interview with at least a blogger or two to confirm the facts - the reporter was inclined to accept Technorati's observations as true.
In this instant case, the lack of journalistic ethic on the part of the writer, has left egg on the face of the New York Times staff.
The truth of the matter is that Technorati has been experiencing quite a few ongoing glitches at their site which account for the reason a handful of bloggers may have been reluctant to follow through in recent days.
For example, when I first signed up with Technorati, my blog posts at google's Blogspot (The Tattler) and WordPress (Pop Culture) were pinged on a daily basic; consequently, my material was always current and up-to-date.
So, time-sensitive notices about local and National events - and spur of-the-moment news flashes - were published quickly enough for readers to act upon them.
However, in recent weeks Technorati has been experiencing a number of technical problems which they have not been very quick to fix in spite of their professional obligation to do so.
Specifically, it should be noted in my own instant case, that although I wrote daily posts for weeks-on-end - on more than one occasion - Technorati falsely reported that no new posts had been published for days!
On those occasions did Technorati staff incorrectly assume I abandoned my blogs, too?
No wonder their data is out-of-whack!
Notwithstanding the aforementioned, once the flaws in the Technorati software came to my attention, I began to ping the posts daily since the automated system was not reliable from the get-go.
In spite of that dedicated effort on my part to ensure readers would receive all updated posts in a timely fashion, Technorati still managed to prevent material posting in a timely manner (sometimes for durations of twelve or thirteen days).
To make matters worse, Technorati's site crashes often, which adds to the frustration.
When a blogger attempts to log in, a bizarre message - The Monster got loose - may flash across the screen and instruct the individual to try back later (without any explanation).
Also, I can't count the number of times I have logged in to my account and received the startling message that my blog (The Tattler) didn't exist!
Duh!
As to the other issues raised by the New York Times?
The reporter asserted in the article that bloggers were abandoning their blogs because they were frustrated by the fact their arduous efforts were not panning out in spite of the fact they busted their butts - with the ultimate aim - of being "discovered".
For instance, the reporter surmised that because book deals (bloggers were eagerly anticipating) were not forthcoming - and fame did not come knocking on their door with a promise of untold overnight - that disenchanted bloggers were opting to jump ship.
If that was/is the case for many - who are now seeking recognition elsewhere because of their failed attempts on the Internet - the truth of the matter is that a multitude of artists over the years (in a myriad of fields of creative expression) have similarly offered up their talents in a non-paying capacity with the express hope they would be catapulted into the spotlight.
For example, comics have often signed up for open-mike night at celebrated nightclubs, with the express hope that a talent scout in the audience might recognize their talent - and ultimately - land 'em gainful employment.
Actors have also been known to perform on stage in equity-waiver theatres - to specifically showcase their talent - in order to land a starring role in a major production on Broadway or in a feature film.
All things considered, it appears that the New York Times really screwed up on this one!
Took a blustery blogger to set the record straight, eh?
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