Blogging critics might say it was never born. Personal quibbles aside, what can we say about the current state of the blog medium? We might disagree over just what a blog is, but for the sake of the argument, let’s consider a typical blog as a website that delivers timely content in short to medium form (i.e. non-book length) in reverse chronological order.
We all know that a blog can be used as a dumping ground for all manner of worthless information, but a blog can also be a very powerful medium. Consider the advances in publishing since the Renaissance. Information technology has come a long way. Regardless of the potential, the question before us is whether the Reformed community is using it. It seems the substance of Reformed blogs has become increasingly thin over the last few years. I’m seeing fewer meaty posts and much more embeds of YouTube videos and quick links to other people’s content (lots of HTs). I’m not making a value judgment – just simply pointing out what I perceive to be a trend.
If this is indeed the case, we might be quick to say it’s indicative of the effect of the medium upon our minds. Given this line of reasoning, we could argue that the blog is inherently biased toward simplicity. It’s inherently designed for shorter and shorter form content. Look at the proliferation of Twitter and sites like Posterous. Is this simply the eschatology of the Internet?
For the time being, let’s consider an alternative, yet complementary interpretation. Even if blogging is tending toward the simpler and shorter, perhaps it’s simply because we have other media for the long-form. It may be the case that there are more suitable media for substantive content and therefore blogging loses out when competing to carry it.
While blog posts seem to be shrinking and simplifying, we have noticed a marked increase in listeners to long-form, substantive podcast episodes. We have also seen an increase in the number of electronic journals and books. If you have seen any Christmas gift giving guides this year, you’ll know that e-book readers are all the rage. It just might not be the case that the changing blog scene is indicative of an erosion of intellectual faculties. Maybe we’re simply learning for what each electronic medium is actually suited. But then again maybe we’re just lazy.
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naïve. (Romans 16:17-18)