RodeWorks

Is blogging really the new BIG THING? Is this IT? Now I’m sold, hook, line and sinker. In recent months a majority of what I read comes through the blogosphere, or at least is inspired by events in this space. For instance the last three books I’ve read and/or listened to (love those audio books!) were all a result of recommendations or references in blogs. I rarely listen to commercial radio these days, preferring to listen to audio blogs, or podcasts. I still read the New York Times most days, the Chronicle of Higher Ed, Rolling Stone, the Atlantic, and other publications as well as listen to the evening news. So I haven’t abandoned the real world - yet.

But in this world where everyone is totally into blogging, there is a certainly loss of perspective. Of course we all write enthusiastically about blogging and new technologies like Flickr, RSS, Podcasting and the like. And you start to feel like EVERYONE must be jumping on the bandwagon. But, reality check, most of the world still doesn’t have a clue what this is all about. they don’t understand how easy it is to aggregate content from dozens of blogs and in one place see the latest updates. The idea of setting up their own blog on Blogspot seems like an impossible task. And the while idea of a podcast seems like some deep mystery.

So here is a task for all members of the blogosphere. Each week pick a family member, coworker, student, friend, etc., sit down with them in front of their computer. And with their fingers on the keyboard lead them through the process of subscribing to a couple of RSS feeds and maybe even help them set up their own blog. Use something like My Yahoo, and make it their browser home page. Pick a couple of feeds that feature humor or, even better, sex. At least then you’ll know they’ll see the feed each time they open their browser, and might even click on the links. Help them start small and maybe they’ll get hooked too.

Steve’s recent podcast at Teach42
started my thoughts on this subject. That and the realization that my two undergrad student-tech assistants had no real idea how RSS works. I’ll start my evangelical work with them! Bring the good word to the masses!