Blogging off

It's really rather odd.

Two of my frequent blog visits, and even sometime posts, at rather opposing ends of the media spectrum - BBC's Newsnight (all editors) and BBC is Biased - have both recently been 'improved' in design, navigation, posting systems, etc.

And both, as far as my experience goes, have been total disasters.

Loyal followings lost, rampant trolling almost encouraged and the loss of worthwhile avenues of free speech.

The BBC I can understand, if not applaud. They really seemed to be having no fun at the hands of independent thinkers and despite the best, or worst, efforts of their moderating policy are getting hung out to dry daily.

What better way to deal with the quality posters than drowning them in trolls and various 'ists'.

BBBC is harder to understand. They exist to debate, and though the name speaks of a clear agenda (I am on record as being more concerned with sloppy reporting as much, if not more than editorial agenda) the appeal lies in having a venue for worthy debate.

Now it is a zoo, with 'Anons' up the wazzoo dictating what is going on, or simply messing it up. A pity.

At least the latter I do not have to pay for. As to Aunty, well, I can only hope we get another outlet, and a better designed one, soon, to keep her on her toes.

We're heading for a world where more honesty and facts, and less spin and 'opinion', will be key to sensible decision-making, especially at the voting booth.

The internet is a powerful weapon, but like all such, it needs to be well directed to inflict blows on those it targets, and not blow up in the face of those wielding it.