Much ado about blogging

According to an article posted on CNN.Com back in late August (when the Olympic games were happening). The International Olympic Committee barred athletes from "writing firsthand accounts for news and other web sites." The restrictions stipulated that "they (the athletes and coaches) may not post journals or online diaries, blogs in Internet parlance, until the Games end August 29." The reason cited for these restrictions is that the accredited media come first. This article is interesting because it touches upon the changing dynamic of information exchange. While in the past the public has had to rely on the second hand news through media sources. Blogging and other forms of Internet communication enable high profile parties (such as athletes, celebrities, or companies) the opportunity to post direct statements and commentary to the general public without the filter of mass media.

Comments

[F. Andy Seidl]

This is a great example of disruptive technology hiding in plain sight. The low cost and high velocity of weblog publishing is a disruptive force for many established publishing business models. The restrictions by the Olympic Committee clearly underscore the fact that established businesses are feeling pressure. Such measures can only delay--not prevent--disruption. For more on this idea, see: http://myst-technology.com/mysmartchannels/public/item/12485