Toxic Asininity

Blogging changed the media business for the worse, and the devolution continues.

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Dear Reader (Including those of you who scream at the prospect of reading a thumbsucky “news”letter about the media like a pug getting its nails clipped),

Let’s talk about blogging.

Don’t worry, I’m not going to ask you to take a seat on the porch next to my rocking chair as I regale you over mint tea about the Golden Age of Blogging. Suffice it to say it was a big deal for a short period of time. The first big disruptor of traditional media was probably Craigslist because it derailed the classified ad gravy train. But, on the content side, blogging was almost as significant.

I have a lot of fond memories about the blogging era. I’m very proud of the fact that The Corner over at National Review was my idea. But then, earlier this week, I had the opportunity to record an episode of Jay Nordlinger’s Q&A (coming out soon-ish, probably). It was a fun conversation, and it continued for a good while after we stopped recording. During the post-pod discussion, I had a small epiphany: Blogging deserves its fair share of blame for much of the craptacularity out there in the media space today.

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  1. Avatar photo
    Marian Cates

    I always click on the dog links. I love having them in the G-File.

    So sorry Zoe and Pippa are having these health problems and you and The Fair Jessica are facing these monetary challenges.

    I had 2 small poodles, one at a time, a toy and then a miniature. The vet told me to brush their teeth daily and have their teeth cleaned every year. I grew more diligent about this over the years. Eventually, I used a little soft "toothbrush" that you put on your finger. Much more natural for the dogs than a regular toothbrush.

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  2. Kurt Von Fuchs

    There was a great show after the 2008 financial crisis called "2 Broke Girls", and it perfectly encapsulated my feelings about social media. "Twitter is for idiots and Instagram is for people who can't read". I loved your article. I think it's more than just a social problem it's also an intellectual problem. In universities today you don't read "Like, Hobbes and Aristotle, poured commentaries about what they wrote.

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  3. VcL

    Do the teeth cleaning, Jonah. Not every dog needs it -- i have had two or three dogs that needed it once in their lifetime or not at all. We now have one who gets them done annually like clockwork. He is a rescue who was severely malnourished before animal control removed him from that home. His teeth are a mess, and the vet warned us that unhealthy teeth and gums can cause infection to circulate in the bloodstream, and can even cause heart disease. I dont believe in "once a year whether they need it or not," but definitely do it if her breath is that bad and the vet recommends it.

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  4. Avatar photo
    Rob Jablonski

    Dogs need their teeth cleaned and our two Aussies get it done annually before their breath peels the paint in the laundry room where they eat. And they are SOOOOO cuddly after anesthesia!

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  5. Waggener

    I religiously click on the animal pictures, even though I already see them on your Twitter feed.

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    1. Waggener

      So unless putting the links in is inconvenient for you, I don’t see why people would even care that a guy likes his dogs and his cat and posts about them. Links and canine updates can be ignored.

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  6. David Kolton

    I unfollowed you on Twitter saying enough with the dogs already, I guess I’m not alone. But I see you complaining about microblogging on Twitter but yet you’re on Twitter,,,so why? Either stop complaining about Twitter or get off, lol, not that complicated

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  7. Avatar photo
    M.E.

    I'm glad you see the through line between you and other bloggers to today's Twitter warriors -- hearing early bloggers lament what the internet has become is like listening to the dad question his son's behavior in that old anti-drugs PSA. "We learned it from watching you, Dad!"

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  8. Avatar photo
    SL

    Re JS Bach: not only could he skillfully craft a dedication, he could also negotiate a contract: "Expenses Mr. 'Pach' has incurred: For food - 16 gr., For beer - 18 gr., For brandy - 8 gr., For heat - 4 gr., for tobacco - 4 gr." It reads like the Rolling Stones' contractual rider for backstage provisions...

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  9. Sheri Smith

    I love the animal photos! Please keep posting them.

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  10. Jeff Miles

    “Don’t worry, I’m not going to ask you to take a seat on the porch next to my rocking chair as I regale you over mint tea about the Golden Age of Blogging.“

    As much as Jonah thinks people would fear that, I would be interested in reading a G-File about said golden age!

    (As an aside, first time commenter - long time Dispatch reader. Often enjoy reading the comments as much as the articles - the community which this website has fostered is a privilege to be part of)

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