OK, so maybe blogs were around before the turn of the millennium (according to Wikipedia, the term blog was coined around May 1999), but they really didn't become popular until 2000. And boy has blogging exploded ... in 2009, it was reported that there have been 133 million blogs since 2002 and that there was an average of 900,000 blog posts a day last year (Source: thefuturebuzz.com). Wow! No wonder work productivity is going down. So many blogs, so little time to read and respond.
It seems that the internet has provided us with the perfect soapbox. Our rants and raves, opinions and viewpoints, and knowledge can now be provided to thousands, make that millions of others, in seconds - far better than the few lucky individuals gathered around the water cooler who benefited from our wisdom in the past.
A blog has incredible value for educating the masses and influencing others. They have incredible power ... many people now value blogs equal to the traditional media for receiving news and information. They can enhance or destroy. They can educate or misinform. They can stir people to positive action or they can cause disruption.
When I was approached and asked if I would be interested in posting a public safety technology oriented blog on PSConnect, I immediately accepted. Let's face it, I've never been known not to have an opinion or be at a loss for words, so this just seems natural to me. But after accepting the opportunity, the reality of the responsibility hit me. Things I post may be used by others as a basis for an important decision, maybe an investment in a technology. Things I post may be used as others to determine their viewpoint on a legal issue related to technology. I will post things on which others will disagree.
In fact, I may post things on which people are very passionate about their opinions. I've been involved in some very excited, animated, and intensive in-person discussions about certain technologies, initiatives, or legal issues, so I can imagine that it would be no different here. What I can promise is that I will always do my best to be fair, balanced, and respectful to all viewpoints.
From time to time, I may come off the technology point and discuss issues relative to dispatch centers or other communications issues, especially since managing the dispatch center is among my many duties. Sometimes, I'll be looking for help, for opinions, for the better path. Your comments are always welcome and appreciated.
So, if you'll excuse me for now, I need to go start nailing together my virtual soapbox ... but I'll see you soon.