This is an excellent look at a phenomenon that's taking shape much more quickly than either the traditional journalism or PR communities has understood. I don't know how to quantify the impact of weblogs. I do know that they've become a key resource for me. Blogs are only one kind of new-era communication. Companies have learned to pay attention to chat rooms and bulletin boards.
Some companies are so paranoid that they sue people for anonymous postings there.
I don't envy the job of the PR person. It was hard enough when a distinct group of traditional journalists served as gatekeepers. We don't have that select role anymore. That may be good for everyone in the long run, but it's making life complicated in the meantime. To join Dan's online forums, please click here .