Blog-Schmog

I am very intrigued by the concept of blogs. The first I heard of them was in a writing class I was taking at USC. My teacher, a very new-age, smoothie-drinking, Teva-wearing, PETA-sponsoring, man was into blogs. We had a class blog that had a link to his own personal blog. On his personal blog, I found pictures of his dog, his girlfriend, and read discussions he was having about politics with people from all over the world. I was amazed at his reach.

But, I was also a bit mortified. Why would anyone put pictures of their personal life out there for people to see? Why would he be discussing his relationship with complete strangers? I guess I am just one of those uber-private people. I don't share my personal business with many of my best friends, and I sure wouldn't share it with people I've never met.

I like the idea of having discussions with people I've never met, but I also don't want to have some computer telling me that I'm wrong...personal criticism comes best from people. I also don't think that computer writing adequately shows emotion.

I love discussion forums. I think Blackboard is one of the best educational inventions. I think it is great that some people who post their writing have gotten publishers. But, I don't think that "Cinderella Story" will work for everyone. I think blogs are treading on thin ice with copyright infringements and plagiarism.

I have set up a blog for all of my classes. However, I am scared to set them in motion because I don't know if I can trust ninth graders to be nice. I guess I am just on the fence with blogs for now!!!!!