Proposed Banned Words List
Regular Gazette reader and pal Jeff just left a comment pointing out that "blog" has made the Lake Superior State University's 2005 list of language irritants, along with words and phrases such as "you're fired!", "red and blue states," "uber-" as a prefix and "zero percent APR financing."
Jeff wonders which is worse, from a blogger's perspective: having the word "blog" on the list to begin with, or having it associated with some truly awful and overused words and phrases. I've never particularly liked the word "blog" -- it falls ungracefully upon the ear -- but it is what it is; like "improvised explosive device," it at least describes something real, unlike many of the other irritating words (like the "-izzle" words, which I voted for in the online poll and which I was gratified to see is the top vote-getter by a wide margin up to this point).
I suspect those who want to ban the use of "blog" really want to ban the concept and the practice, although I wouldn't go so far as to suggest a MSM-led plot. On the other hand, I'm pretty sure I know which word Dan Rather voted for.
George, I read the same article ... or at least one inspired by the same Pew Foundation study.
That article (on msnbc.com) cited a study which found that "blog readership" has jumped significantly in 2004, though "blog creation" has risen only mildly.
I still believe, as I've commented in this forum before, that mainstream media are shaping weblogs at the same time that weblogs are shaping the mainstream media.
The rest of the msnbc.com article can be found at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6777808/
I still believe, as I've commented in this forum before, that mainstream media are shaping weblogs...
Jeff, would you mind elaborating on this statement? Any specific examples?
Posted by: Eric at January 3, 2005 09:37 PMEric, I was referring to some of the comments I submitted to your posting, "Bloggers as Journalists: Be careful what you wish for" .
Posted by: Jeff at January 3, 2005 09:53 PMOK...I remember that discussion. I was checking to see if you had some additional thoughts or examples. Thanks.
Posted by: Eric at January 3, 2005 10:11 PMAbout the publisher
Random Abbye photos...
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Cabeza del Diablo
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Be careful Who you plagiarize
Coming Attractions
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Hitchin' a Ride
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Finding meaning in random events
Random Thursday: The Thanksgiving Edition
A Matter of Perception
Reason #21 to wear shoes in West Texas
The Neighborhood:
West Texas Blogs:
[Midland unless otherwise indicated]
Other Texas Blogs:
The Business:
The Church:
The World:
A search with the term "blog" at Google News just now yielded 3,890 entries with the first one titled "Blog Readership Spiked in 2004."
I suspect that it isn't so much a plot as it is a consensus of opinion among those within the main stream media who are just visionary enough to be paranoid but who lack the ability to adapt to the new environment.
Posted by: George at January 3, 2005 04:11 PM