Government Blogs Worth Reading

Blogs have come a long way in the past decade. The online journals began as accessible, affordable platforms for individuals with a unique voice to be heard. One person with an internet connection could build his or her own global niche audience or - in less commercial and hierarchical terminology - "community." Blogs now vary greatly in tenor and type but are usually still seen as places for personal expression, first impressions, rough reporting, irreverence, and open debate.

Blogs can be cranky with names such as Crooks and Liars and Savage Chickens. So I was a bit perplexed the first time I heard the phrase "corporate blogging." Those two concepts initially seemed at odds-the institutionalized corporation using the platform of the idiosyncratic individual - but corporate blogging is now commonplace. It is not so revolutionary, after all, to think that corporations would want to use the popular blog format to connect with customers, get quick feedback, and build "communities."