While my site wasn’t offline, I have to throw some jeers at Comcast for being offline for a good chunk of the afternoon and evening. Frankly, I’m surprised my readership wasn’t affected too badly.
But I had meant to write a much longer post this afternoon and didn’t really have a chance to put it up because I had no idea Comcast was out (my TV worked) and was fiddling around with my computer trying to see what was the matter. So I’m even farther behind the 8-ball posting-wise.
I do want to make some observations about the Chamber of Commerce hullabaloo. Sounds like a case of feed the ego to me. I’ll grant that the gentleman in question has some influence but that comes more from butting into the conversation than actually dictating policy.
Most of you don’t know this but back in October of 2007 I spoke at a luncheon in front of the C of C on a similar topic – in that case it was a subcommittee who asked me to speak on the subject of blogging for business purposes and how to get started in the blogging world. So instead of a full room I spoke to perhaps a dozen or so people. My point is that the Chamber has visited the blogging subject before but on a much smaller scale.
I read the online version of the Daily Times story and the associated commentary regarding the upcoming event. Obviously he’s a lightning rod so if the Chamber is looking for attention and publicity they’ve got it. However, my question is simple: will his appearance generate more light on the subject or simply spread more heat around? Given the cool weather we’ve had for the most part I’d take some heat but I doubt it’s what the Chamber of Commerce wants.
Maybe the best observation comes from an out-of-town blogger. I recommend you read Tim’s post regarding the event on Gunpowder Chronicle and then judge accordingly.
Personally, I don’t know if I’m an invited guest and honestly I have an appointment that morning anyway, so it’s likely I’ll have to pass on the festivities. But certainly a number of views of the event will emerge and they should make for interesting reading. Sometimes personality can go a long way even without a lot of substance to back it up.
