The highlight of the campaign has really been the Internet and a voter’s ability (if they bothered using it) to check the facts that each of the candidates (any candidate, not just the President). I believe bloggers have had more honest, transparent and exposing discussions about the candidates than any single television station.
I’ve had spirited discussions with my friends online and off about the campaign. Though I do see some very mean, derogatory remarks pop up from time to time, those folks who I twitter and blog with are respectful of me and I’m respectful of them, regardless of the choice we’re making. That’s pretty cool.
The fact is that the Internet, and especially blogging, has brought a human face to modern communication. We may not have ever met, but you’ve gotten to know me through my blog. Some folks have left, but those of you who have stuck around seem to appreciate what I say and I love the fact that I’m able to share what I find with you. There’s trust between us!
Mass media has worked hard at erecting dehumanized views of our political leaders, big business, and our enemies abroad. I think it’s easier to be compelled into hatred when there’s not a human on the other end. Many of the caricatures we see on television (and I admit, YouTube) are crafted in such a way that it’s easier to dislike or disrespect someone.
The Answer is Blogging
The answer, in my opinion, is to blog. I wish our political leaders blogged (without their architects dubbing and filtering the content). I wish our business leaders blogged. I want to know what’s in the heads of those guys at Exxon. I want to know why a blog post criticizing a bank goes unanswered for over a year. I want to know why mortgage companies would rather foreclose than refinance their customers’ dream homes.
A recent study provides evidence that blogs are a trusted resource for consumers. I recognize that companies only have the goal of making money. When companies realize that the money will actually come when they show humanity and transparency, though, will they continue to avoid blogging?
The Future is Blogging
I look forward, in a few years, to only working with businesses who blog. I look forward to only voting for candidates that blog. I look forward to supporting companies and politicians that can be trusted and shamelessly show their humanity. I look forward to blogs carrying more weight than commercials, or money spent, or even mass media.
I just hope Google can keep up with all the conversations!
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