I was intrigued to read a number of suggested manifestos for the blogosphere posted on Jaffe Juice.
My dictionary gives the following definition of manifesto:
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a public declaration, as of a sovereign or government, or of any person or body of persons taking important action, making known intentions, objects, motives, etc.; a proclamation.Â
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There are so many reasons why people blog, and I’m not sure that a manifesto can capture the spirit or essence of all these reasons, or even a significant number of them.
Blogging works because it’s authentic. When you’re reading a blog you’re having a direct relationship (or so it seems) with the author of the blog. Sure there’s a level of mediation, as there is with all media, but it’s a much more personal experience. In fact, it reminds me of the same personal experience that you can have when listening to a good radio announcer.
I fear that trying to tie blogging to a manifesto, or to an agenda, will start to erode that all important authenticity. I don’t think that anyone wants to see the blogosphere turn into just another corporate tool for reaching stakeholders.Â
In any case, the blogosphere is too unruly to be pinned down by a manifesto, no matter how well meaning its writers.