Thanks

LARon,

Interesting perspective on blogs.  I agree that stats, and other "factual" evidence can be presented in such a manner that you can usually make both sides of an argument.

I took a Logic & Debate class and enjoyed the requirement that we argue BOTH sides of an issue.  I don't know if I can credit the class completely, but it sure taught me that there are always 2 sides (at least) to every argument.  To successfully present "my" side of an argument, it is crucial to understand the other side as well.

Too often it seems many people only want to hear their own side, and could care less about an opposing view.  That, to me, is one of the best things about the blog site.  I get to read all of the sides, and then try to make an informed decision.

I wholeheartedly concur. I forget who said it but "Figures lie and liars figure".  I'll have to look that up. Sounds like Mark Twain to me.

True, one can generally argue both sides of an issue and fom many vantage points. It makes life interesting and it's good for the mind. I like telling people that I find most of the answers one will need on the third side of the coin. This usually gets people's attention. I show them a nickel, heads, then tails. Finally, I stand it up on edge and point to the third side of the coin. It wouldn't exist without both of its other sides. Both sides usually have merit.  What do you think?

Lily's Lore "I don't ever want to be rescued And I don't ever want to be saved I got a feelin' that I'm gonna be alive forever Dancin' on the edge of a grave..." Jim Steinman

I agree that most of the time the best answer or path lies somewhere between the two extreme sides. I like your analogy of the third side.

I equate that to the difference between a logical, intelligent thought process and blind dogma.

Finder

You learn something new everyday.  Thanks Lily.

I do not comment often either, however LaRon brought up an excellent point regarding supporting statisitics for blogs.

I read the blogs to see what may be of interest, and while I realize a "blog" is only an individual opinion on an issue, I am often disappointed with the apparent less than detailed information some bloggers acquire before posting their opinion (then apologize after someone points out a correction; might it have been a little more responsible to research prior to allowing the fingers to touch the keyboard and begin typing a blog?).

Many readers accept these blogs as "fact" simply because they see a familiar name and assume that blogger must know what they are speaking on because they have a volume of previous postings.

I would only suggest to all bloggers to please use some responsibility when expressing your opinion. Try not to make it appear as though blogging is only a compulsive need to see your name in print or imply at best you may be suffering from diarrhea of the fingers, or have absolutely nothing better to do.

I think the bloggers do a very good job. Heck even the newspapers have a place for corrections. I think we have only ever had one "trained reporter" on the blogs whatever that means. And I haven't seen them blog lately.

So collectively I think the bloggers do a great job blogging and policing ourselves when someone gets out of line.

The readers of the blogs have a responsibility too and they should fact check, form opinions, and remember we are not experts just community minded people expressing opinions about what we all care about our County. Regardless of what those opinions are we share that one thing in common our community.

Off to fight the traffic.

"The readers of blogs have a responsibility too and they should fact check."  I doubt that there is anyone of us whether it's blogging, talking on the phone or talking one on one with someone who has not formed an opinion too soon, or formed an opinion based upon the presentation of someone else, that was wrong or misinformed. Show me someone who says they have not and I will show you someone who is being less then candid.  Anytime something like this happens an apology normally follows and so it should. 

This site has existed for less then a year, most of us have never blogged before this site came about and like Angela I think we do a decent job of being decent, and honest and responsible. 

Collectively suggesting the bloggers are not being responsible makes it appear to be the very thing your last sentence implies the rest of us are doing.

"Try not to make it appear as though blogging is only a compulsive need to see your name in print or imply at best you may be suffering from diarrhea of the fingers, or have absolutely nothing better to do."

Interesting and good comments. I look at bloggers as a one sided conversation which is nothing more than a comentary spiced with ssome personal opinion.  Except mine which are always factual and 100% right

I'll second those thanks.  I've travelled a bit recently so it's a good way to keep up without investing lots of time.