lowcountryblogs

Blogger Meet Ups

I'd like to thank those who made it to last night's nearly impromptu meet-up at Wild Wings on Rivers Ave.  I'm happy to say our servers, Micah and Jessica*, were great.

I believe it was Eugene who suggested we begin planning our second annual Blognic.  It's hard to believe it's almost been a year.

I promise I won't forget the plates, this time around.

Is there interest?

Fireworks on the Fourth

Are you staying home or heading out to a local display?

I think we'll be taking the kids to the display in Goose Creek, but we have no firm plans.

Wednesday's discussion #2

In a comment Mossy, our youngest blogger, admits to having problems with his blog platform.  Currently he uses Blogger, but would like suggestions on where to go next.  I would limit the suggestions to free alternatives, because I am sure there are many things on which he would prefer to spend his allowance.

Discussion for Wednesday

I frequently read Nashville is Talking, partly because my co-author for Home Ec 101 is a Nashvillian, but also because I see what I hope is the future for LCB. Brittney, the author, is liberal but frequently covers conservative topics.  She has been criticized for her leanings.

Two days ago she linked to a post written with racist undertones.  Currently there is a blogosphere style uproar brewing.  Ironically, someone is bashing her conservative leanings. 

When I link to posts here at Lowcountry Blogs I am not purporting to be in agreement with the content.  There are many times I link to posts that I feel are patently wrong, but may be a catalyst for debate or discussion.  A link or quote does not indicate approval, either my own or the Post and Courier's.

I do offer anecdotes, opinions, and comments mostly to add color and keep LCB from becoming nothing more than another aggregate. 

What are your thoughts?  Does a link or quote indicate tacit approval of content?

Online communities

If you take a look over at Kit's LiveJournal account you'll notice his userinfo or profile has changed.

From what I have skimmed there is an Internet group WFI or Warriors For Innocence who target communities and the service providers that allow discussions encouraging or condoning pedophilia and predatory behavior.  In response to a request to remove some communities that were focusing on the objectionable behavior LiveJournal may have deleted many legitimate discussions.  Understandably, some users are upset. 

At what point does an online community such as LiveJournal, MySpace, or Blogger bear responsibility for content and the actions of its users?  How can massive publishing platforms ensure their content is legal?

A script that blocked posts containing words such as incest and pedophilia would block legitimate discussions, such as those between survivors in support groups, and only encourage the proliferation of code words.

Skimming the discussions one finds the First Amendment brought up time and again.  Is this a First Amendment issue?

What are your thoughts?

What do you feed on?

Agricola sent me links from a non-local blogger on the advantage of using a feed reader.  Like the author, I use Google Reader.

Do you have a feed reader of choice?

Also thank you Eugene for doing a round up this morning.  Currently things seem to be working, but I have yet to hear from tech support.

No one likes a bully

My friend, Kat Coble of Nashville, recently posted her experience with the company JL Kirk & Associates.   She received a response in the comments, which she then copied into its own post.

Today her doorbell rang.

She was given a certified letter ordering her to remove all blog posts "defaming" JL Kirk and associates.  They threatened to sue for "tortuous [sic] interference and other damages" if she does not comply.

She posted about the letter and Nashville is Talking picked up the story.

Nashville bloggers created a firestorm that was picked up by Glen Reynolds of Instapundit.

Stand your ground, Kat.  Bloggers are rooting for you.

Opinion Please

I did an informal poll at the meet up and it seems as though some readers prefer smaller, more frequent updates to this blog rather than one long daily recap.  I would like to hear how other readers feel.  Either posting style typically fits my schedule.

What's your opinion?

Paid Post Question

Should posts that are tagged "paid post" be included in the round up?

I would like to hear everyone's opinion.

Thank you.

Stay or Go?

Here's a self-referred blog/podcast that's not like anything else on The Big Blogroll: Heather Picken: I Feel Like A Million Bucks!

Take a look at it, then leave a comment: Do you want this on TBB? If not, why? Also, if not, what standard should we be applying to the combination of free expression and commerical interest?

I've argued this one back and forth a couple ways in my mind, but I think at the very least it raises questions for the community to consider and address. So y'all discuss it. We'll make a decision when I get back.