Thoughtful commenting on blog posts and real news stories adds to the tenor and depth of an issue. It advances the story and makes you want more Except when you have an agenda.
Case in point.
Political commenting is a new form of commentary that in its vituperation can bring you up short. Call it talk radio in print, or the Jerry Springer show gone political. Americans are angry and they don’t care who knows it, particularly if they can spout anonymously. It’s ugly and well, surprising.
The national sparring between presidential candidates broadcast on networks is tame by comparison. So where is this coming from, when reports say that Americans only want civil discourse?
Consider this. Grassroots campaigning is clogging the blogging of serious journalists when pointed, rude and insulting commenting tries to affect the effect of the story being told. In other words, partisan commenting is clearly in play and might very well be orchestrated.
So the next time you hear a media report about the reaction in the blogosphere to John McCain saying or doing whatever, think twice before you believe it. This form of citizen PR, may just be professionally strategized and carefully conceived by his opponents.
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