SG Editorial: Dog fighting not a bad thing

By now, everyone has heard about how Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick is facing a slew of charges for dog fighting and mistreating animals. It has drawn the scorn of many protest groups, like the turncoat People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

This blog is here to say Michael Vick is a hero. He was doing exactly what any true warrior with the means would do in this crazy mixed-up war. He captured several of the enemy and turned them against each other in a technique seldom seen since Vietnam.

Instead of scorning Vick we should be hoisting him on our shoulders. Bravo, Vick! You have lead the way for us all.

Yet this crisis shows the hypocrisy of the country. Why is it perfectly acceptable for our armed forces pilots to practice dog fighting, but not for our athletic stars? Why is it there are no pickets outside of the History Channel headquarters for airing their new season of Dogfights? If it's OK for one to do it, it's OK for everyone to do it.

That's why this blog has $50 riding on the one with the foam coming out of his mouth.

SG Editorial: It's okay to hate us

So the "big-time" bloggers want to regulate blogs now because they can't handle the negative feedback. They also want every blogger to "pledge to get a second source for any gossip or breaking news they write about."

This idea cannot be taken seriously because, well, blogs are not serious. They are not news sources, and they are not the product of an honest day's work. These are diaries, put into public because of our own rabid need for validation and social prominance (even on the Internet). What's the difference between a blogger and a Fox News pundit? One wears a tie to work.

What's even more disturbing is the implication that news organizations use blogs as breaking news sources. It's bad enough that the majority of news reports are the same four stories transmitted via the Associated Press, but the idea that paid reporters are perusing blogspot and livejournal for hot scoops is ridiculous at best and frightening at worst.

SeriouslyGuys is taking a stand. We know what we are, and we have no delusions otherwise. However, this will be an easy fight. Tim O'Reilly and Jimmy Wales can craft up all the rules they want, but--as happens time and time again on the Web--who's gonna enforce them?

Current mood: Indifferent -_-
Category: Web and Blogging
Currently listening: Numa Numa!