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July 27, 2004 |
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Meet the Bloggers By CARL BIALIK and ELIZABETH WEINSTEIN The Democratic Party is widening its media tent for the Boston convention. For the first time ever, Web loggers, or bloggers, are being accredited for a national political convention. While scores of bloggers will be covering the convention, only about 35 have official accreditation, meaning they can access the main Fleet Center hall and use a dedicated workspace. (These bloggers will be dwarfed by an estimated 15,000 accredited journalists from traditional outlets.) But blogs' hallmarks – quick publishing, links, commentary, reader feedback and light or no outside editing -- mean bloggers could bring new approaches and a wide range of voices to covering an event steeped in tradition. Convention organizers say they chose from among about 200 applications based on creativity, readership and professionalism. (Another 20 or so bloggers -- including several conservatives -- were invited, then disinvited, prompting accusations of bias; organizers say it was "a pure logistical error" and most disinvited bloggers weren't conservative.) The Democratic National Convention Committee didn't release a list of accredited bloggers. But CyberJournalist.net has been compiling a list1 of bloggers who say they have credentials. The Wall Street Journal Online e-mailed questionnaires to about 30 bloggers who are accredited for the convention, asking about their political views, blogging style, approach to the convention and opinions on mainstream media coverage. Almost all replied. Click on the bloggers' names to see their responses to the questionnaire (edited for space and readability) and a link to their Web sites. Note that some bloggers run their own sites, while some contribute to other blogs. * * *
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![[Jerome Armstrong]](/public/resources/images/blogger_armstrong07202004150158.jpg)
Jerome Armstrong, 40, political consultant, Burlington, Vt. MyDD.com17. Describe your blog. A progressive activist blog that covers political elections and events of global importance since 2001. How do you plan to cover the convention? What kind of content can readers expect? Covering matters relating to the election of Democratic politicians, in both the House and Senate, as well as for president. Why should people read your coverage? A partisan blogger that takes sides, and doesn't hide behind the myth of objectivity in reporting. What's the biggest gap in convention coverage by mainstream media in prior election years? The events that are not on the news-cycle radar. Moment/speaker/event you're most looking forward to covering. Howard Dean. Whom did you support in the Democratic primary? Howard Dean.
Patrick Belton, 28, student and think-tank president, Oxford, England. OxBlog18. Describe your blog. It covers international affairs and (occasionally even) culture from a centrist, fair-minded and often humorous standpoint. How do you plan to cover the convention? What kind of content can readers expect? We'll try to balance intellectually meaty analysis with humor and fun, and attentiveness to the soddy human aspects which are quite important to us. Why should people read your coverage? Compared with our progressive blogosphere friends, we do tend to hew a bit more to the political center, and be less interested in the political horse race than in the rise and fall of ideas -- such as the role of democracy and human rights in American foreign policy. What's the biggest gap in convention coverage by mainstream media in prior election years? Blogs don't share the word limits of print press or the time limits of network news. They're free to write as long as they feel is warranted by an interesting turn on events; or to say that nothing at all interesting happened that day. Moment/speaker/event you're most looking forward to covering. We're interested in interviewing as many people as possible from the Democratic Leadership Council and Democratic foreign policy orbits... . I'll also be looking forward very much to meeting our fellow bloggers. Whom did you support in the Democratic primary? Personally I supported Lieberman, but all three of us blog as independents.
Tom Burka, 44, public-service lawyer, New York. Opinions You Should Have19. Describe your blog. Political satire. How do you plan to cover the convention? What kind of content can readers expect? Satiric commentary (written and spoken -- I'll be posting some audio) on the convention, and news parody. Why should people read your coverage? To read headlines like "Democrats Outraged By Outrage At Outrage20" and "Mideast Roadmap Hard To Read, Impossible To Fold21." What's the biggest gap in convention coverage by mainstream media in prior election years? I intend to find out. Moment/speaker/event you're most looking forward to covering. Filing my first blog entry from the floor of Democratic National Convention as an accredited member of the media. Whom did you support in the Democratic primary? N/A.
Natasha Celine, 29, Internet marketing consultant/student, Bellevue, Wash. Pacific Views22. Describe your blog. Liberal political op-ed page, blog review, West Coast politics. How do you plan to cover the convention? What kind of content can readers expect? I have a lot of questions, and either a recorder or a notepad to take the answers down on. Why should people read your coverage? With luck I'll ask some questions they'd like to hear the answers to themselves. What's the biggest gap in convention coverage by mainstream media in prior election years? It seems to mostly cover the speeches. There are nearly 5,000 delegates, 15,000 guests and 15,000 members of the press coming. That's a lot of people with something to say. Moment/speaker/event you're most looking forward to covering. I'm mostly looking forward to interviewing delegates and elected officials. Whom did you support in the Democratic primary? I supported Howard Dean in the primary, but I've come to be satisfied with Sen. Kerry's judgment and I think he'll do a fair job for us.
Taegan Goddard, 38, Rye, N.Y. Political Wire23. Describe your blog. All the political news, polls and gossip in one place. How do you plan to cover the convention? What kind of content can readers expect? As always, Political Wire will focus on the nuts and bolts of the political process and the behind-the-scenes politicking that makes every election interesting. Why should people read your coverage? My readers -- particularly politicians, policy professionals and activists -- have come to respect my editorial judgment about what is important and relevant in a major political story. What's the biggest gap in convention coverage by mainstream media in prior election years? Very little happens at modern political conventions, but those who attend are typically the people behind most campaign news made throughout the rest of the election cycle. The convention is the time to learn about those people... Moment/speaker/event you're most looking forward to covering. The nomination speech of Sen. John Kerry. Whom did you support in the Democratic primary? John Kerry.![[Mathew Gross]](/public/resources/images/blogger_gross07212004180341.jpg)
Mathew Gross, 32, former director of Internet communications for the Dean campaign, currently writing a memoir of that campaign and working as a political and Internet consultant, Oak Ridge, N.C. MathewGross.com24. Describe your blog. Political commentary from an insider stuck on the outside. Or maybe the other way around. How do you plan to cover the convention? What kind of content can readers expect? I want to bring out what happens behind the scenes, or off-camera; there's no point in trying to compete with the television set in describing the balloons dropping. Why should people read your coverage? 'Cause I fought the establishment and the establishment won. What's the biggest gap in convention coverage by mainstream media in prior election years? The first three days. Moment/speaker/event you're most looking forward to covering. John Kerry's acceptance speech. His bounce depends on it. Whom did you support in the Democratic primary? Howard Dean.![[Rick Heller]](/public/resources/images/blogger_heller07222004120056.gif)
Rick Heller, 45, unemployed software engineer and free-lance writer, Boston. Centrist Coalition's Centerfield25. Describe your blog. Centrist voices in American politics. How do you plan to cover the convention? What kind of content can readers expect? The backstory -- personal stories about delegates and what inspired them to become politically active. Why should people read your coverage? The way to get beyond the partisan rhetoric is to understand people's life experiences. What's the biggest gap in convention coverage by mainstream media in prior election years? Everyone focused on the main event, and many smaller stories are missed. Moment/speaker/event you're most looking forward to covering. People of Faith for Kerry26. Whom did you support in the Democratic primary? While the Centrist Coalition includes Kerry and Bush supporters as well as undecideds, I'm an Independent who supported Wesley Clark and plans to vote for John Kerry in November.![[Aldon Hynes]](/public/resources/images/blogger_hynes07202004150316.jpg)
Aldon Hynes, 45, information-technology executive, Stamford, Conn. Greater Democracy27. Describe your blog. It explores how new communications technology can support democracy. How do you plan to cover the convention? What kind of content can readers expect? I will be focusing on the participatory aspects of democracy as it applies to the average citizen, particularly on those new to political involvement. Why should people read your coverage? People should read my coverage to experience democracy as a participatory process and not as a spectator sport. What's the biggest gap in convention coverage by mainstream media in prior election years? Conventions have been covered as if they are entertainment and not as a crucial part of the democratic process involving regular citizens from across the country. Moment/speaker/event you're most looking forward to covering. A candid conversation with a delegate new to the political process realizing the importance of the event in the personal lives of people around the country. Whom did you support in the Democratic primary? Howard Dean.![[Kirk W. Johnson]](/public/resources/images/blogger_johnson07222004120042.jpg)
Kirk W. Johnson, 23, runs a documentary filmmaking business and translates Arabic materials, Chicago. American Amnesia28. Describe your blog. Explores the pitfalls of historical amnesia with respect to our foreign policy. How do you plan to cover the convention? What kind of content can readers expect? I'm pursuing interviews with senators and congressmen who sit on pertinent committees (Senate Foreign Relations, etc.). Why should people read your coverage? News viewers have to cut through a lot of lard before getting to the guts of an issue, which gets old pretty fast. What's the biggest gap in convention coverage by mainstream media in prior election years? The biggest gap in convention coverage is the convention itself! Both parties have had to struggle with the networks for more airtime, which is a shame. Moment/speaker/event you're most looking forward to covering. I'll be interested in hearing [Illinois Senatorial candidate] Barack Obama's keynote address. Whom did you support in the Democratic primary? I'm a descendant of that fine tradition that refuses to say who I've voted for in the past. This year's vote, however ... I'll not be voting for George Bush.![[JoseloffBram]](/public/resources/images/blogger_joseloffbaum07222004161309.jpg)
Gordon Joseloff, 59, editor and publisher of WestportNow.com, and Jessica Bram, 50, contributing editor of the site. WestportNow.com29. Describe your blog. WestportNow.com is not a "blog" in the sense of what many have come to think of blogs. That is, it is not a compendium of one individual's opinions or observations. It is a local Web news site for Westport, Conn. It's one of only a handful of such local independent news sites on the Internet that is not affiliated with a newspaper, broadcast or other type of media company. How do you plan to cover the convention? What kind of content can readers expect? Coverage will concentrate on delegates and guests from Westport as well as from other parts of Connecticut. Why should people read your coverage? If they are interested in a (Westport) hometown perspective, there is no other place to read it. What's the biggest gap in convention coverage by mainstream media in prior election years? N/A. Moment/speaker/event you're most looking forward to covering.Any doings involving people from Westport or Connecticut. Whom did you support in the Democratic primary? N/A.
![[KleinJesse]](/public/resources/images/blogger_kleinjesse07222004120047.jpg) From top: Ezra Klein, Jesse Taylor |
Ezra Klein, 20, junior at University of California-Los Angeles and Jesse Taylor, 21, professional blogger, Columbus, Ohio. Pandagon.net30. Describe your blog. Half the age, twice the smart. How do you plan to cover the convention? What kind of content can readers expect? We're going to report on an event produced for general media consumption with the eyes of partisan activists. ... Plus, we're funny and young, two things Wolf Blitzer is not; that's reason enough to come to the site. Why should people read your coverage? The funny and young things. Also the smart. Can't forget the smart. What's the biggest gap in convention coverage by mainstream media in prior election years? The convention hall will be packed with people who really care about this election and this country. The networks should be striving to imbue their coverage with that spirit, not grudgingly training the camera's unblinking eye on whomever occupies the podium ... Moment/speaker/event you're most looking forward to covering. Clinton? Edwards? Obama? There's going to be a wealth of talented orators, but I have to admit being more interested in speaking to the delegates directly after these speakers. Whom did you support in the Democratic primary? First unnamed Democrat, then Gary Hart, then Howard Dean, then Wesley Clark, and now John Kerry. We had a hell of a field this year.![[Brian LaMasters]](/public/resources/images/blogger_lamasters07212004180938.jpg)
Byron LaMasters, 22, student at University of Texas in Austin. Burnt Orange Report31. Describe your blog. A group political blog by Democratic students at UT. How do you plan to cover the convention? What kind of content can readers expect? I plan to focus on interviews with delegates and candidates and also covering events behind the scenes that the mainstream media will likely neglect. Why should people read your coverage? Unlike journalists, bloggers are political activists excited by the opportunity to attend this event. Being a young Democrat from George W. Bush's home state gives us a unique perspective of events. What's the biggest gap in convention coverage by mainstream media in prior election years? Their continuing neglect of the conventions. Even though the nomination is already decided, the convention is still the one event where all of America has their first opportunity to really learn about the vision that the presidential ticket has for the next four years. Moment/speaker/event you're most looking forward to covering. U.S. Senate candidate Barack Obama's keynote address. Whom did you support in the Democratic primary? I initially supported Howard Dean, since he was the only one saying what needed to be said in early 2003. I later supported Edwards, and then Kerry.![[Allen Larson]](/public/resources/images/blogger_larson07202004150046.jpg)
Allen Larson, 54, attorney, Yarmouth Port, Mass. LarsonReport.com32. Describe your blog. An Internet magazine that encourages the exchange of ideas. How do you plan to cover the convention? By attending the convention, speaking to delegates, and listening to the ideas they express. What kind of content can readers expect? Content that relates to issue of the economy, the environment and community welfare. Also observations about the convention itself and the political trends it portends. Why should people read your coverage? Our desire is to relay to a reader what they would observe themselves if they were physically present in Boston during the convention. What's the biggest gap in convention coverage by mainstream media in prior election years? I'm more interested to figure out how the Internet and this evolving form of journalism may be useful going forward. Moment/speaker/event you're most looking forward to covering. I'm interested to know why people will be attending and what they hope their attendance will help to realize. Whom did you support in the Democratic primary? N/A. Whom do you plan to vote for in November? I'm a registered Republican and support President Bush. (You'll note on my Web site that both Democratic and Republican officials have presented thoughtful legislative ideas. I'm looking for ways to find connections that cut across the ideologies.)
![[Will Oemler, Allison Grady and Paul McCullum]](/public/resources/images/blogger_threeB07222004120037.jpg) Top to bottom: Will Oemler, Allison Grady and Paul McCullum |
Paul McCullum, 23, finance/accounting, Louisville, Ky. William Oemler, 23, medical research technician, Boston. Allison Grady, 23, nonprofit projects coordinator, Meriden, Conn. Dinner for America33. Describe your blog. Engaging youth through event coverage and bipartisan discussion of issues. How do you plan to cover the convention? What kind of content can readers expect? Substantive analysis and entertaining coverage ... through articles, commentary, video footage and photos. ... Interviews and discussions with the political elite, and an entertaining examination on aspects of the convention not prevalent in mainstream coverage. Why should people read your coverage? We will entertain and educate young people, who are so often considered an afterthought in politics. What's the biggest gap in convention coverage by mainstream media in prior election years? "Infomercial" coverage as dry as a press release has alienated American youth and disengaged us from the political process. Moment/speaker/event you're most looking forward to covering. Day One, with the theme: "Plan for America's Future." Whom did you support in the Democratic primary? The DFA organization is a nonpartisan one, but urges all candidates to take to heart issues affecting our country's 30 million 18-29 year olds.![[Jeralyn Merritt]](/public/resources/images/blogger_merritt07202004145819.jpg)
Jeralyn Merritt, criminal-defense attorney and legal analyst, Denver. TalkLeft34. Describe your blog. Liberal coverage of crime-related political and injustice news. How do you plan to cover the convention? What kind of content can readers expect? I will focus primarily on the Democratic Party's stance on civil liberties, terrorism and crime issues, and exit strategy from Iraq. My secondary focus will be reporting on the mainstream media and on what it is like to attend a convention. Why should people read your coverage? I will be a passionate advocate for Democrats who want to take back the White House and Congress, end the war in Iraq and prevent the passage of more laws like the Patriot Act. ... I'm not a journalist or a political strategist. I'm a citizen who wants to be a participant instead of a bystander. What's the biggest gap in convention coverage by mainstream media in prior election years? I really haven't followed convention coverage in the past several election years. It was too boring. Moment/speaker/event you're most looking forward to covering. John Edwards's acceptance speech. I believe his energy and enthusiasm are so contagious that there will be a huge swell of solidarity among those in attendance that will last long after they leave Boston. Whom did you support in the Democratic primary? I didn't choose sides in the primary. Whom do you plan to vote for in November? John Kerry.
Alan Nelson, 35, management consultant, Philadelphia. The Command Post35. Describe your blog. A news site authored by 120 plus bloggers around the world. How do you plan to cover the convention? What kind of content can readers expect? "Straight news" reporting without left- or right-spin. Plenty of coverage on the ethos of the event. And coverage of the coverage. Why should people read your coverage? Unlike many bloggers, we'll be posting without interjecting opinion (to the greatest extent possible), and we'll be "triangulating" the story with news items posted by bloggers around the world. What's the biggest gap in convention coverage by mainstream media in prior election years? An unwillingness to simply show or tell the story without attempting to interpret or critique. Moment/speaker/event you're most looking forward to covering. ... I'm most looking forward to covering the operations of the convention: how the delegates work, how the thing runs, and … how the press covers the event. Whom did you support in the Democratic primary? I believe it's the right of every citizen to keep their political preferences private, and do so.![[Christopher Rabb]](/public/resources/images/blogger_rabb07202004145655.jpg)
Christopher Rabb, 34, serial entrepreneur/Capitol Hill refugee, Philadelphia. Afro-Netizen36. Describe your blog. Afro-Netizen informs, inspires and engages afro-netizens and the communities they touch. How do you plan to cover the convention? What kind of content can readers expect? With a Mac PowerBook, and as irreverently as possible. Why should people read your coverage? Because Afro-Netizen will provide information and insights on the process and players at the Convention and enlighten readers why this is important to the Blackfolk. What's the biggest gap in convention coverage by mainstream media in prior election years? The media's lack of commitment to truly educate the public on (this aspect of) the political process, its funding by moneyed interests, what goes on in the backrooms before/during the convention, and why any of this is relevant to our daily lives and future as a country. Moment/speaker/event you're most looking forward to covering. I'm most looking forward to the antics of drunken, disaffected Deaniac delegates after Kerry accepts the Democratic nomination. Whom do you plan to vote for in November? ABB/N = Anybody But Bush or Nader.![[Brian Reich]](/public/resources/images/blogger_reich07202004151210.jpg)
Brian Reich, 26, strategic consultant and director of Boston operations for Mindshare Interactive Campaigns, Cambridge, Mass. Campaign Web Review37. Describe your blog. CWR examines the use of the Internet in politics. How do you plan to cover the convention? What kind of content can readers expect? I'm going to look at how the candidates, the party, organizations, and media use the Internet in relation to the convention -- what they write about, what initiatives they launch, what special coverage they give. Why should people read your coverage? CWR is the only blog focused specifically on how candidates, campaigns and organizations, activists and the media are using the Web. What's the biggest gap in convention coverage by mainstream media in prior election years? Real behind-the-scenes coverage -- the personalities of the volunteers that make the show happen, the speechwriters, the drivers, the pages, etc. Moment/speaker/event you're most looking forward to covering. I'm going to cover those who participate in activities online. I'd like to see Kerry and Edwards participate in an online chat the day of their speech, but I'm not holding my breath. Whom do you plan to vote for in November? CWR is nonpartisan (hopefully). I am a Democrat and I will vote for Senator Kerry in November.![[Jay Rosen]](/public/resources/images/blogger_rosen07212004112332.jpg)
Jay Rosen, 48, chairman, department of journalism, New York University. PressThink38. Describe your blog. The journalism we have, the journalism we need. How do you plan to cover the convention? What kind of content can readers expect? I will be asking political people about the press tribe, and press people about the political tribe, and both groups about what happens at the conventions in their modern, media-age form. I'm interested in the meaning of this event, after more than 20 years of press accounts describing the conventions as meaningless, newsless, stage-managed, one big infomercial, etc. Why should people read your coverage? If you're interested in how the press thinks, in the ideas that make American journalists do the things they do, then you should read PressThink. But don't expect blazing rants. What's the biggest gap in convention coverage by mainstream media in prior election years? Over the years, more and more journalists have shown up to report on political conventions that those same journalists have said mean less and less. Call it the meaning gap. From where I sit, it's pretty wide. Moment/speaker/event you're most looking forward to covering. The whole thing is the answer. If there's one event of special interest, it's the bloggers breakfast with DNC officials, where I hope to find out their thinking on extending credentials to Web loggers. Whom did you support in the Democratic primary? As a voter, I could never bring myself to support any of the candidates in the primary season. Intellectually -- as a critic and writer -- I supported what Howard Dean was doing with his campaign. I will definitely be voting for Kerry in the fall.![[Joe Rospars]](/public/resources/images/blogger_rospars07202004145525.jpg)
Joe Rospars, 23, writer and small-business owner, Washington, D.C. NotGeniuses.com39 and BlogforAmerica.com40. Describe your blog. BlogforAmerica.com is Howard Dean and Democracy for America's official blog and the hub of the DFA online community. NotGeniuses.com is a group effort to prove that you don't need to be geniuses to cut through the blather and provide interesting liberal commentary. How do you plan to cover the convention? What kind of content can readers expect? On BlogforAmerica.com, reports on Howard Dean and Democracy for America's presence. On NotGeniuses.com, a more general focus on the spectacle -- including the other bloggers. Why should people read your coverage? I started my own blog in 2002 and went on to be writer & Web strategist for the Dean campaign. I've since started BlueStateDigital.com, a consulting firm, with some Dean folks. What's the biggest gap in convention coverage by mainstream media in prior election years? The mainstream media says the conventions are boring. The bloggers will either liven things up or prove that the big media is right. Moment/speaker/event you're most looking forward to covering. I was a candidate for delegate from New York for Dean, so I'm curious about Dean delegates and their stories. As former ex-pat I hope to talk to Dems Abroad delegates about being on the front lines of Bush's failed diplomacy. And of course Gov. Dean's speech. Whom did you support in the Democratic primary? ... We all worked our hearts out [on the Dean campaign] because we wanted real change. Kerry, Edwards and the Democrats are carrying that mantle into November and I'll do everything I can to make sure they're elected.![[Peter Rukavina]](/public/resources/images/blogger_rukavina07202004145310.jpg)
Peter Rukavina, 38, computer programmer, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Reinvented41. Describe your blog. Comment, opinion and news about local and national issues, technology, and everyday life. How do you plan to cover the convention? What kind of content can readers expect? I am interested in the convention as a theatrical event and as a large public gathering as much as I'm interested in the political ramifications. As such, my readers can expect reporting on the technical and logistical minutiae, on how the convention is covered by the mainstream media, etc. Why should people read your coverage? I hope they share my approach to the world, enjoy my writing, and want to learn more about how events like this work. What's the biggest gap in convention coverage by mainstream media in prior election years? Haven't been involved enough -- as a distant Canadian -- to know. Moment/speaker/event you're most looking forward to covering. Jimmy Carter. Whom did you support in the Democratic primary? Howard Dean.![[Bill Scher]](/public/resources/images/blogger_scher07212004114903.jpg)
Bill Scher, 31, public-relations professional, Brooklyn, N.Y. LiberalOasis.com42. Describe your blog. News analysis, strategic advice, and copious links for liberals. How do you plan to cover the convention? What kind of content can readers expect? On the substantive side, I plan to actually pay attention to the speeches and size up the party's rising stars, and also hopefully score some exclusive interviews. But there will likely be some fun fluff too. I'll try to double as the convention's Joan Rivers. Why should people read your coverage? Reporters are so caught up in the Washington Establishment social scene that they often lose perspective, and stop talking about what matters to voters. LiberalOasis and other liberal bloggers come out of the grassroots, not the Establishment, so our perspective should be fresher, and our content more filling. What's the biggest gap in convention coverage by mainstream media in prior election years? The media is averse to substance. They think that since there's no unscripted conflict, no horse-race fodder, then there's no news ... But when the parties get together to tell the nation what they stand for, people need to hear about it so they can make informed decisions before they vote. That's the public service the media is supposed to provide. Moment/speaker/event you're most looking forward to covering. Tammy Baldwin. Can she give a good enough speech so people say, "Wow, she could be the first lesbian president?" Whom did you support in the Democratic primary? LiberalOasis remained neutral in the primary, and is now supporting Kerry.![[David Weinberger]](/public/resources/images/blogger_weinberger07202004150916.jpg)
David Weinberger, 53, writer and fellow at Harvard's Berkman Center for Internet and Policy, Boston. Boston.com43. Describe your blog. Social/philosophical/political impact of technology. Also, whatever I find funny. How do you plan to cover the convention? What kind of content can readers expect? I'm there as a citizen: a thick smear of hope on top of a graham cracker of cynicism. I'm particularly interested in the event as a traffic accident where ritual and passion run into media manipulation. What do the absurdity and grandeur of this event say about the state of our democracy? Why should people read your coverage? I tend to be intellectually quirky. I like to find the big writ in the small. I'm sometimes funny. I am highly partisan and usually wrong. What's the biggest gap in convention coverage by mainstream media in prior election years? I'm guessing the media play too nice, covering it as a made-for-TV special. Does democracy manage to live on the floor anyway? Moment/speaker/event you're most looking forward to covering. I'm expecting to be bored by the large and delighted by the small, although a good political speech can make me cry. Whom did you support in the Democratic primary? I worked for Dean as "Senior Internet Advisor" on Net policy and, occasionally, tactics. I was thrilled by the Dean campaign's ceding of some control to its supporters, enabling us to connect with one another. It was our campaign. The Convention is, I expect, the opposite of that: Top-down, one-to-many, and manipulative. I'm looking forward to it! (Go Kerry!)![[Matt Welch]](/public/resources/images/blogger_welch07212004133802.jpg)
Matt Welch, 35, writer and blogger, Los Angeles. Reason Magazine's Hit & Run44. Describe your blog. Eclectic & funny! How do you plan to cover the convention? What kind of content can readers expect? Since we are a politics and culture magazine dedicated to "free minds & free markets," and untethered to any political party, we will certainly not fail to find the inherent humor of the whole situation. Why should people read your coverage? It will be funny and irreverent, place a certain stress on peeking behind the Media Curtain, while still (hopefully!) containing insightful political nuggets and reportage from a team that's both experienced in reporting on political conventions, and somehow horrified by their pretense. What's the biggest gap in convention coverage by mainstream media in prior election years? At the one Convention I covered (2000 Democratic in L.A.), there was plenty of quality coverage by the pros ... One problem is that there's too much stuff, so it's hard to figure out what's important or great until it's too late. Blogs will help that sifting process. Moment/speaker/event you're most looking forward to covering. We have some hijinks up our sleeve, but we don't want to tip our hand ... yet. Whom did you support in the Democratic primary? N/A. Whom do you plan to vote for in November? I'm not a Democrat... . I plan on voting for John Kerry.![[Jessamyn Charity West]](/public/resources/images/blogger_west07202004145109.jpg)
Jessamyn West, 35, librarian, Bethel, Vt. Librarian.net45. Describe your blog. The blurb on it says "Web log by a librarian for rarin' librarians, info junkies, freedom lovers and other weirdos." How do you plan to cover the convention? What kind of content can readers expect? I have a short list of issues that are of interest to me and my readers: copyright, the USA Patriot Act, online filtering/censorship/COPA, health care and minimum wage, open access, rural issues, and basic technology and intellectual-property law. I intend to follow who is saying what on these issues. Why should people read your coverage? I believe my position is somewhat unique. I'm not a political reporter or pundit, I'm a librarian. Public libraries have recently been on the receiving end of a lot of bad legislation that affects us all, and could creep into more of the public arena if we're not careful. What's the biggest gap in convention coverage by mainstream media in prior election years? Conventional media coverage reaches a limited audience and has a tendency to bore people to death. In an attempt to seem objective, the media makes the convention out to be a bunch of speeches, parties and backslapping that you … are not invited to ... I think the big media misses the human-scale stories. Moment/speaker/event you're most looking forward to covering. I'm really a fan of Barack Obama and I know he gives a good talk. Whom do you plan to vote for in November? Undecided.![[Stephen Yellin]](/public/resources/images/blogger_yellin07202004144911.jpg)
Stephen Yellin, 16, high-school student, Berkeley Heights, N.J. Blogs for DailyKos and OurCampaigns. Describe your blog. DailyKos is a wildly popular, liberal blog dedicated to informing Democrats of current affairs and electing Democrats to office. OurCampaigns is a forum and political-news site for all ideologies. How do you plan to cover the convention? What kind of content can readers expect? I plan to cover the convention through the eyes of a young Democrat and first-time convention goer. ... Readers can expect an upbeat, optimistic and enthusiastic review of all the events that went on. Why should people read your coverage? I have a different perspective on life and politics than most press members. Most are hardened cynics and realists -- I still have idealism in boatloads. What's the biggest gap in convention coverage by mainstream media in prior election years? The media should cover the conventions much more than they do. Certainly, they should cover every prime-time speech, with plenty of commentary from the broadcasters. Moment/speaker/event you're most looking forward to covering. The speaker I am most looking forward to will be my Congressional candidate, Steve Brozak. Whom did you support in the Democratic primary? I liked Lieberman, Clark and Dean, in that order. However, I have no problem with Sen. Kerry and Sen. Edwards as our next leaders, and I am happily supporting them in this election.
Write to Carl Bialik at carl.bialik@wsj.com46 and Elizabeth Weinstein at elizabeth.weinstein@wsj.com47
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