Why Blog?

Why would an organization want to devote a scarce resource (e.g., staff time) to supporting a blog? Current library literature is full of answers, including organizational transparency and putting a human face on your institution. Simply put, blogs have the potential to get the word out about your mission, services, and goals in a way that traditional marketing materials may not. We are bombarded with so much “PR-speak” every day that when we see a cookie-cutter press release or hear a typical media sound bite, we tend to tune it out. At least, I know I do. That’s where a blog with a human voice and a conversational tone can be a breath of fresh air. This was brought home to me last week when I read a Lincoln Journal Star article about Lincoln Police Chief Tom Casady starting a blog. According to the article, Casady sees the blog as a way to offer interested readers insight into issues he handles on a daily basis. If comments left in response to Casady’s posts are any indication, reaction so far has been extremely positive. Many individuals have expressed appreciation to Casady for taking time to share his thoughts and perspectives. The comment that really jumped out at me, however, is one that I think superbly illustrates the power and potential of blogging. In response to Chief Casady’s April 12, 2007 post, titled And the Oscar goes to…, reader Chris comments:

“As a rational adult, I know that Police Officers are human beings, just like everyone else. To have concrete examples shared here takes that rational thought and makes it an emotional one. Emotion wins in real life. Emotion wins at traffic accidents, at polling places, at point of sale. Emotion connects people. Last week when you were on the TV news I wouldn’t look up from my laptop. Next week, I will, because I now have a “connection” to Chief Cassady. He’s no longer just a figure of authoroty. He’s a part of my online social network. As a person over the age of – say – 30 years old, you may scoff at this tenuous “connection”. But make no doubt about it, it is fact. You name the place, and emotion wins.” (Excerpted from http://lpd304.blogspot.com/2007/04/and-oscar-goes-to.html#comment-2374010857755114797)

Wow! What a testimonial to the power of the written word and a free Blogger account!