The following came out in the aftermath of the publication of Rebecca Mead's article "You've Got Blog!" in the November 13, 2000 issue of the New Yorker. Joe Clark wrote a response to that article, and this was my response to him.
Joe Clark (a fellow Torontonian, no less) has provided food for thought in his "Deconstructing 'You've Got Blog'" screed. While Joe scores some valid points, I think he misses the mark in a few major ways. In the process, he comes across as cynical, and a bit wounded, too.
What Joe seems to miss is that, although an "A-List" does exist, these people have formed meaningful relationships completely away from their blogs. Several (ie. the Pyra gang) work together in close quarters. Others live in the same neighbourhoods, and still others have met in person on more than one occasion. You'll notice that there are lots of references to doing actual physical activities with these people (white water rafting, lunches, conferences), and this is what makes these relationships seem so insular. These people are friends, Joe, and you and I aren't a part of that. Why should we sulk?
Solutions exist in many forms. Most easily, physically meet as many bloggers as you can possibly meet. One forum is South by Southwest, held yearly in Austin, Texas. If you've been reading my blog at all lately, you'll know I'm pretty hyped about this myself. It's not only a technology showcase; in fact, I'm going solely to meet people. Local forums are easier. Form a group of "Toronto bloggers" for instance (I'm in, for one!), or "journalist bloggers," or whatever. Since the blogging community has grown so quickly, it has become harder to connect, but also easier, in a way, since there are so many more areas of interest. I've always felt that online relationships are no substitute for the real thing, but blogging has helped me meet people I would otherwise never have known. I may not have met all of them in person, yet, but I hope to.
In that sense, Joe, you're also right in asserting that everyone writes for an audience. Everyone in this big, lonely world wants to connect. And blogs can only help. Of course, like with all social interactions, some are shy, some feel left out, there are cool kids and uncool kids, but it sure makes the big world a lot smaller. If we're not going to crack the A-List, then let's start a B-List! In fact, the name of my site is an allusion to that very idea. We may not be champions, but we can be consolation champs! And we still get a trophy!