RECIPE FOR SUCCESS:

In an era of instant information via electronic media, it’s no wonder the phenomenon of blogging is getting so much attention, even in the Daily Pilot.

The ethical ramifications of this forum of opinion had me wondering where it all began.

The term “blog” is actually short for weblog. In 1997, online diarist Jorn Barger coined the term weblog for “logging the web.” According to New York Magazine, in April 1999 programmer Peter Merholz shortened the term web-log to blog. When build-your-own blog software was introduced the same year, the explosion began.

More than 90% of bloggers are younger than 30. This demographic generally doesn’t vote, but apparently has lots of opinions. Will those opinions translate into actual voting power in this upcoming presidential election? Both parties are counting on it. A Google search turns up 432,000 Republican blog sites and 1,710,000 Democratic sites.

But ethical questions remain. What makes us think that anonymous opinions really matter to anyone other than just for personal entertainment? Some would say that’s progress; others would say we’ve cheapened the process and the validity of the opinions is questionable at best.

Do blogs at the end of Daily Pilot articles actually have an impact on events? In a recent piece written by Republican Party Chairman Scott Baugh, he defended his position as a consultant for several recovery homes. The blogging was nasty and angry. Days later it was reported that Baugh resigned as their consultant. Was it a reexamination of his moral compass, or did the firestorm of comments cause him to step out of the fight?

I applaud Baugh for penning his opinions openly and signing his name.

I’ve written many columns based on my observations and opinions, and I’m passionate about the subjects I write about. My articles would have no relevance if I were hiding behind some clever moniker. Agree with me or not, you always know where I stand. How can we precipitate social change if people won’t stand behind their ideals? It takes a certain bravery of character to stand up for your beliefs.

As I have said repeatedly, behavior matters. It seems when there’s no accountability for our actions, as with anonymous blogging, people amp up their bad behavior. That results in somewhat entertaining nasty exchanges between bloggers, and as with reality TV, we can’t look away.

Perhaps the Pilot should require bloggers to fill out registration forms using real names, as some publications do. They could still use pseudonyms for blogging, but could be tracked if they posted offensive verbiage. People would think twice about how they presented ideas.

Putting yourself on the line for what you believe in is the nature of what makes our democracy work. Coming out from the shadows and being brave enough to voice an opinion, is what freedom is all about, and that is a true recipe for success.

BARBARA VENEZIA is the chairman of the Santa Ana Hts. Redevelopment Project Advisor Committee and was the co-creator of the cooking show “At Home on the Range” with John Crean.