NET 11: Module 3 - Blogs

My thoughts on Blogs, hmmm...

I'm actually only new to this whole blogging thing, but so far I'm really liking being able to post a nice long blog without having to worry about trying to find a scrap of paper or a working pen lol. I've usually just read blogs and have never considered my opinion to be of any worth. In a way blogging is very liberating and a good way to break free of old chains that bind hard. Over thinking and probably putting way to much on the shoulders of simple HTML lol.

Most blogs I run into are connected to web comics, where the artist uses the blog to inform about any delays in getting the comic done and subtly reminding everyone about the link to the online store. I've also come across Photoshop/Illustrator tutorials nestled in blogs and usually they have some awesome links to go with them that the blogger has found during their browsing. I once inadvertently stumbled on a blog that was dedicated to the life of a person's avatar, they were using the blog as part of their role play.

I've always seen blogs as another way for an individual or a group to express themselves and share their thoughts and ideas with the world (or whoever happens to click onto their blog at the time). A little while ago I saw a documentary about politics in Italy, the main thing that jumped out about it was the plan by the the Italian government to force anyone with a website and/or blog to register with the government and pay a tax. Countries have been trying to police the Internet for some time and except for China they've pretty much failed. Although even in China there are ways around the system, I know some people that have been able to bypass the site blocking. Over here the plan by the government to 'protect the children' (all that goes through my head when I here that is, "oh won't someone think of the children?!", waaay to much Simpsons >.>), would not only strain our already pathetic off shore connections, but it could be abused, as I vaguely remember it being said that the government would decide what is and isn't appropriate content.

Anytime governments talk about policing the Internet, all it comes across to me as, is a bunch of old politicians frantically trying to keep a lid on an already open tin of worms. As much as they try they will never be able to stop peoples opinions or their ability to find ways of expressing them.

Note~
If you're interested in the Italian law that I mentioned earlier, here's a link to the blog of Beppe Grillo. Grillo is an Italian comedian that has been using comedy as a way of voicing his concerns and crticism of Italian politicians and policies.