Blogging

The fact that the internet has changed music forever is unquestionable. An infinite number of doors have been opened for millions people that would otherwise have no chance to hear new and exciting music outside of their own culture. There is one aspect of this sweeping change that
is the topic of discussion for many, many intrigued individuals. This activity
brings the thoughts and opinions of countless internet-savvy people who have
something to say.

Blogging has become all the rage in our technologically revolutionary world.
There is something uniting about an outlet of expression that is used by
celebrities and average citizens alike. Why has this phenomenon snowballed so
quickly that it has spread across the entire planet, spanning from free
societies to oppressed dictatorships?

Good question.

The act of posting in a "blog" or web-log is actually quite like
writing in a journal. The only difference is, it is published for all eyes of
the world to see. There seems to be something extremely enticing about your
words being sent globally in an instant. And as many have seen, famous
musicians and actors use various websites to blog about everything from new
tour dates to their pet's new haircut. The reason this has been popularized so
much must be the seemingly instant connection established between a star and
his or her fans.

Music reporting is also forever changed by blogging. Many music journalists are
now exclusively posting in blogs. One example of this is Austin Scaggs' Smoking
Section on RollingStone.com. He introduces new artists and groups and also
informs readers of concerts and fun music-related happenings. This is a single
example of a practice that is becoming more and more widespread every day.
Blogging has made it so popular writers need not wait for a magazine or
periodical to be released to get their words out to readers.

And what about all us non-famous people? We use blogging in a multitude of
different ways. Some people use blogs to publish new ideas or new ways of
accomplishing old tasks. Some review new songs and albums by their favorite
artists. Some seek advice. Some seek gratification in their lives. Whatever the
reason, it is my hope that blogging remains the expressive avenue for all
people looking to bring their thoughts into the world.

There is a bigger level of importance that many neglect when they think
of blogging. This level concerns peoples of nations with tighter restrictions
on expression. One example of this is the Islamic Republic of Iran. Thousands
of young Iranian students used blogging sites like Twitter and Facebook during
their last election. Contrarily, they weren't posting anything about what they
ate for dinner or how bored they were. They posted information concerning mass
protests against the current regime. They posted information to keep their
peers safe from reactionary attackers. The youth were in revolt, and blogging
was the only reason this was possible.

What does this have to do with music? I feel there is nothing more Rock and
Roll than the youth of a nation uniting in revolution. Though it resulted in
tighter communications restrictions in their country, this was a statement and
it was heard all around the world.



The flowers of creativity will forever have ample sunlight as long as the world
continues this trend...



So please, let creativity flourish in our time. Do us all a favor and blog.