one example from just last night: I posted about Hart Intercivic, posing a question to Knox County Administrator of Elections about the test in California.

Within an hour, he posted a reply, expressing concern. "I am concerned about what I read in the New York Times about this. I agree with Rikki, let's wait and hear the whole story." (kudos Greg, and please keep us updated on what you learn.)

Did any Knoxville print or TV media follow this story in the NY Times or the SF Gate? Did they bother to connect the dots to our own brand of machines? Did they get a quote on Sunday night from the Administrator of Elections? Did they run a story the next day?

With the combination of my short post and Greg's short reply, KnoxViews managed to scoop local media on a national story with an important local angle. It also proved an opportunity to educate and inform local officials, the media, and the public at large who read KnoxViews to learn more once again about black box voting.

I'm not sure what "impact on local politicos" actually means. I am certain that blogs have very much impact on local media, and I am certain that this forum has significant impact on local officials.

Now does 24-hour lobster tale coverage "impact local politicos?" probably not. there are bloggers more interested in gotcha rumor and innuendo than digging deeper. The time some reporters spend on this blog yapping about lobster and how many tails are on a plate could be better spent digging deeper into conflict of interest between local officials, nonprofits, and corporations.

I am suspect of a conventional media person questioning the effect of blogs on public discourse. It is the conventional media's failure to be trustworthy that drove us to this medium in the first place.

I understand the need to make money but not the willingness to lie and present a one sided view of things in order to do so.

Can we quantify our effect? Not in the short term but I feel certain we are affecting things over the long haul. I think the polls that show President Bush with less than 30% approval are an indication of America's acceptance of the information they receive from progressive blogs. Even in the State of Tennessee, Bush is only at 40% and I defy you to derive that from the mainstream press coverage.

More local politicians should learn the power of well presented facts and their conduit to their constituents.

Progressive blogs and non-mainstream press outlets (I'm thinking of the Shopper here) who are willing to pursue truthful information, whether good, bad, ugly, or beautiful...Will drive rational discourse more and more as time goes on and the public continues to come around to the mainstream media's part in misleading them, over and over.

Off the top of my head, I can think of a couple of recent examples.

The South Waterfront Project zoning appeals, for one, may not have come out to everyone's liking, but I was surprised that they rejected developer's desires re. setbacks and building heights. That was debated at length here, sometimes hotly as I recall. Now, as Steve said it's hard to quantify, but there was certainly a lot of focus on it.

Then there was the zoning variance the Mrs. fought over in her Mom's neighborhood. She blogged about it, but more important she went around the neighborhood stuffing flyers in mailboxes and getting the neighborhood folks organized and out in opposition to stop it. Again it's hard to say what role blogging had in that, but there was probably some.

Those were city issues, though, and maybe they're more responsive and have better government and leadership and whatnot.

Oh, and in the same neighborhood related to the same development, there was the "handshake deal" between Pinkston and the developer to build improvements at the park as compensation for messing up the park with a sewer pumping station. The developer never came through, and the Mrs. kept posting photos of the non-improvements and bugging Pinkston until it got done. Done by the County contrary to the "handshake deal", but done nonetheless. (And they did a very nice job, too.)

As Doug mentions, Greg Mackay visits often, and he gives and gets good feedback on running clean elections.

On the State level, Cup of Joe Powell and I were both all over this AT&T cable bill, and it was stopped. I'm sure that had more to do with the $millions the cable industry spent lobbying against it, but I guarantee you that Joe and I prompted some letters to our state Reps and Senators, and I got one back from my Senator who pledged to oppose it.

So as Steve notes, we may not always know exactly what effect it has, but there's no doubt blogs raise awareness of local issues and help keep the heat turned up when the mainstream media won't.

P.S. And I'll also guarantee you that Tamara here and Cathy at Domestic Psychology got some folks out to the school board meetings re. the new zoning. They didn't get the outcome they wanted, but the school board got an earful and some important discussion about the zoning and a broader range of issues occurred that I doubt will just go away any time soon.

Mark Harmon's comments (thanks, Mark!) reminded me of another one, that I have to give credit to #9 for starting. I don't recall exactly how it ended up, but there was a lot of controversy about copyright of PEG cable broadcast of government meetings.

As I recall (without remembering the specifics or looking it up) Mark took this to the Cable Committee and the PEG people and got it straightened out so citizens are authorized to use the videos on YouTube and such.

We really need to talk about Letters of Agreement

Plenty of local political figures read this blog or hear reports on things posted here. A large number of people in the media world do as well. Does it make a difference? One has to be expansive in the definition of "difference." Can someone point to a specific public decision that one could say is different from it would have otherwise been because of this blog? Probably not, but that would be a high standard of relevance for any media outlet to reach.

Can one say that the political agenda - what gets discussed or written about in what detail and with what underlying series of associated questions and concerns - is affected? A strong case can be made in the affirmative, at the very least on the margins. I can think of a number of occasions when I have received a call with a question about a local issue from someone the local print or electronic media relative to an interchange here or its previous incarnation. Once I said "You had to have just read that on SKB!" The response was "Sure."

I spoke to "Factchecker" at an event this weekend about this very topic. In my opinion Knoxviews has carved out its own relevant place in the world of local political dialog. And, as far as I can tell, very few local communities are able to support this sort of discussion before being overcome by the set of Internet "bad behaviors" with which we are all familiar. So, assuming that people agree, what makes this work, and what makes it work here? I have my own ideas.

Silence apparently reads KnoxViews. How about other KNS reporters? We know Bean and Clark do. Surely some from MP stop in daily. TV? All this can affect coverage.

As for officials, I know Van De Vate reads KnoxViews. I'm pretty sure someone from the Register of Deeds office checks in here frequently. If other officials don't, given lots of voters do, those officials are missing out.

I find it interesting that someone from the KNS, who has spent the last year developing a half-dozen or so blogs at their own website, should be criticizing other blogs. I've thought about posting on the KNS site, given I don't have the liberal bent of KnoxViews. But, the discussion is good and I'm ok with not posting and getting 'dittos'.

Thanks, CBT. In Michael's defense, he has done a lot to support and promote local blogs, and he mentions this.

I think Steve may be on to something, though, with regard to the local media's perceptions about blogs.

Mr. Neal you may want to see if Mr. Silence has any threads 102 post long. (link...)

Blogs are successful because they are a running conversation. Users can read info, can check that info, and correct or challenge that info in a matter of minutes. Unfettered by what the print might cost or what advertisers might say.

Can conventional news boast that?

P.S. My apologies for getting a little "self important", but I'm pretty grateful for the folks who participate and contribute here to make this a great blog and apparently somewhat interesting. Thanks to everyone!

Rachel beat me to the k2k mention but I'll go ahead cause, that's just how I am.

I sort of disagree with Rachel about the effect k2k had on the
jail issue and, it is indeed relevant here. It was probably NOT just active k2kers that stopped the jail but, it probably WAS the existence of k2k that did. Prior to that forum, we typically had to actually meet in meat space to discuss and issue and what response, if any might be made. With k2k educating us about the ability of the internets to provide for activism when it was convenient for the individual, we became emboldened. The established PTB became less so as they too had knowledge of the scope and depth of opposition to the project. It removed the ability to pretend that everyone would eventually forget their opposition and love them anyway. They knew if people were willing to buy news paper adds and print stuff, they would be willing to donate to and work for a political opponent. That not everyone was specifically a subscriber to k2k is largely immaterial. It was the knowledge of the existence of k2k that enabled many to overcome their natural reticence for political participation and political statements. Maybe it wasn't k2kers, but it was definitely k2k.

Current blogs function in much the same way. We not only know we are not alone in our disgust or joy, as appropriate, we discuss it and learn details from others we trust. It is ludicrous in the extreme to imagine that blogs have no effect. Their effect is NOT limited to large decisions or elections. Indeed, those things are rarely the focus. When politicians are aware of a certain level of scrutiny, they, like most any other human, tend to behave differently. They might well make smaller decisions that would cause less distress, if not outright mollify, the voting public. There is the strength, there is the effect. It is the knowledge that blogs, and by extension, the people, are actually paying attention that changes things. That doesn't happen with MSM. It happens with interactive sources.

Doubting or denying it will not change a thing though so, go right ahead.

CAFKIA

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It is impossible to defeat an ignorant man in argument.
  - William G. McAdoo

I spoke to "Factchecker" at an event this weekend about this very topic. In my opinion Knoxviews has carved out its own relevant place in the world of local political dialog.

It was a great pleasure talking with Bill on Saturday.

I find it interesting that someone from the KNS, who has spent the last year developing a half-dozen or so blogs at their own website, should be criticizing other blogs.

That about says it all about Silence's post. Not Invented There. (Boo hoo.) Impact, I'm more certain than ever, KnoxViews has to considerable degree. In terms of directly influencing local politics to be more progressive, maybe not. But that's not quite the same thing. As Steve states a little differently, ultimately it should have some of that effect too (becoming more progressive), via raising accountability and providing direct democracy on issues of the people (e.g., the cable bill).

I think it speaks volumes that Commissioner Harmon not only reads KnoxViews but contributes here. You all know that I am a conservative, and I read KnoxViews as well.

People aren't just reading one another's blogs, but they are taking ideas from them and are acting on these things. This is a great measure of influence in my mind.

I was active with k2k (I was the token Republican and a site moderator for a short time). Geez, that has to be 12+ years ago. I left when it sort of fell apart and never went back.

KnoxViews is the only blog I read with any regularity. I scan others occasionally. I just don't have the time. I suspect a lot of people are like me and don't have the time, what with work, family, etc. So, there is a somewhat limited audience for blogs, which the KNS is apparently looking to tap into.

There are several local blogs out there, but they don't get the number of participants of KnoxViews. Some get almost no traffic/discussion at all. I have often wondered as numbers grew and more moderate and conservative opinions were posted on KnoxViews if Randy would make some change to somehow limit participation. I think that was the impression several weeks back when Uncle, #9 and others (?) left. There are more conservatives in these parts. I don't know that large numbers would continue to hang out here if they got ripped occasionally.

Don't know what the future holds. Guess we'll see.

Knoxviews is a streaming & sometimes screaming political debate.Like the month of March..a thread..often comes in like a lion...& leaves like a lamb.

Also,context can be hard to nail down because one comment can send the thread down a whole new path.If linear thinking is your bag..Knoxviews will drive you crazy.

Futhermore,a thread can start with rumor,which invites conjecture.So one could come to Knoxviews,for the first time,read a thread,with 15 comments & think..this bunch goes on & on about something that just aint so.Of coarse this goes on at the Courthouse every day..the difference is...on Knoxviews it's the written word..if you post you're stuck with it.Forever.

"Dubito,ergo cogito,ergo sum."

"I doubt,therefore I think,therefore I am"

Influence..who knows...ignore it..I wouldn't.

As someone who servers in a public office I think it is my responsibility to keep up with any and all modes of communication available. While I don’t post on blogs often, I will on occasion if there is an opportunity to address a specific question or present additional facts that may help clarify a post. I think some blogs can get caught up in back and forth comments that really have no potential for a positive outcome and tend to avoid those discussions. So, the bottom line for me is that KnoxViews serves as a window to the community’s perception of the actions of the Board of Ed and provides another mechanism for some two-way communication. I am grateful for that opportunity.
Karen

Karen, Thomas...thanks for letting folks know you're reading.

reads and responds. Thanks to all Elected Officials that read and respond.

Knoxville and Knox County is blessed to have many different blogs and venues for communicating with one another.

Two issues at work here:

1. M. Silence is an arm of the MSM, who benefit if the bloggers lose confidence, get frustrated and give up. I wonder why he didn't point out that...

2. If "local politicos" are *not* paying attention to the bloggers, they are idiots and it will come back to bite them.

(edited to add: I am glad to see some "local politicos" speaking up in this forum - it does mean quite a lot)

Kato

I have had two elected officials and three others in government ask me who Factchecker is.

If they saw me in a public setting, not only would these people not know who I am, but I'd hardly be given the time of day based on my look or demographic.

I hasten to add that this is the best answer to the endless debate over anonymity. I doubt these government workers were thinking of me fondly. Though I intend to be fair, this is debate and commentary here (in spite of my tongue-in-cheek handle). No one should be afraid to state her/his own opinion.

No one should be afraid to state her/his own opinion.

According to someone it's easy for me because I'm a 'powerful GOP' something or rather. Some people apparently do read this blog because I've been teased about that line this week. Oh, if it were only true.

at the numbers and potlitical demographics of the "lurkers" of your blog.I know of several officeholders, Repubs and Dems, Liberal & Conservative, who enjoy the comments, gathering opinion from a generally liberal pov. Personnally, I enjoy the reaction posts. It reinforces my faith in the voting public, and my faith has needed a boost over the last few years.

THere are so many conservatives who regularly take a look, just to see where the "left" or "progressive" publics' agenda is moving. Also, there's a bunch of very good information passed here (with only a little simple hyperbole). I've learned a lot about the way readers/posters view the relative competencies of the City/County. The current machinations are certainly obscuring the GREAT work a lot of County employees and a few elected officers are doing, and that is very sad to see. Having spent a large part of my life in public service, this is all very dissapointing.Keep up the great contribution to your community. Please?

P.S.-Damn hate to admit it but I LOVE Friday Bird Blogging!! Cant believe I said that.

...They were merely curious.

Bill, when I thought about it again this morning, I got the proper context. Guess I had my paranoia tags turned on. :>)

According to someone it's easy for me because I'm a 'powerful GOP' something or rather.

OK, maybe not so "powerful," CBT, but respected and influential on the basis of your high level ties to the Republican party. You're a KnoxGOB (even if there's a current split in the factions), and that's not really a slam on you. You've attained rank. Any disagreement?

If this blog didn't have an impact, he wouldn't have brought it up. Keep firing, sometimes you hit something.

You've attained rank.

I'll disagree somewhat because there's no context to your comment. What's not evident is 'why'.

I've worked my butt off for dozens of candidates over the past 20 years, putting up yard signs, big signs at all hours of the night, working phone banks, stuffing envelopes, organizing fundraisers and about anything else you can name. Yes, I was elected as Republican Chairman, but it's just the glorified title for an unpaid volunteer leader. I had a vision and with the help of a lot of good people, we not only won elections but did things for the Party some didn't think were possible (website, weekly email newsletter and a permanent, full-time GOP office).

Too often so-called GOB's are referred to as if they were born into the right circles. I've just been willing to show up and work. It's no different than the charitable boards and other non-profit work I've done.

Yes, record fundraising during my term (thanks to a lot of great people and elected officials). We had some creative events.

I'll let others compare.

I can see how calling someone a GOB can imply entitlement. However, I also explicitly stated that you attained, as in achieved something you didn't always have.

What are we arguing over again?

Randy, reading the exchange of comments between Factchecker and Bill Lyons made me curious about the days when SKB was running the show under obscurity. Now that your anonymity has been breeched, has it changed the way that you write? Did you feel a little more free to voice your opinions before, and now that your identity is now known, do you find yourself being a little more reluctant to post about certain subject matter?

Adrift in the Sea of Humility

I've noticed in the last week or so that the KNS website has links (titles) for certain stories, when you click to go to that story it has a paragraph or two then refers you for the 'full' story to one of KNS' own website blogs. Clearly, the KNS sees the value in blogs and discussions on various topics.

Is Silence's blog supposed to be dedicated to politics, local and otherwise? I confess to not reading it that often.

I don't read Michael's blog, but has anyone caught the comments section on WBIR-TV's website? Brutal. You've gotta dig, but it's worth it. About 65 comments last night on the "Angry Taxpayer" story. -- s.