Great discussion. I've been reading Bernay's Propaganda and in it there's a quote from a famous author that helps further the notion that blogging is just another tool or channel of communication.

"Modern means of communication - the power afforded by print, telephone, wireless and so forth, of rapidly putting through directive strategic or technical conceptions to a great number of cooperating centers, or getting quick replies and efective discussion - have opened up a new world of political processes. Ideas and phrases can now be given an effectiveness greater than the effectiveness of any personality and stronger than any sectional interest. The common design can be documented and sustained against perversion and betrayal. It can be elaborated and developed steadily and widely without personal, local and sectional misunderstanding."

This idea, proposed by H.G. Wells, could very well define the use of blogging to communicate to individuals and groups to change perseptions and shape events.

Blogging allows individual influencers to reach specific targeted groups, who in turn, reach out and influence other groups. This would seem to make blogging a tactic, or tool, aimed at allowing groups and individuals to influence and persuade. That doesn't diminish its power, nor does it make it an evil tool for the promotion of propaganda. It's just another way of communicating, like the telephone and wireless recognized by Mr. Wells.
Michael Sommermeyer | Homepage | 01.11.06 - 12:49 am | #