A Blog Smackdown

I think blogs are dedicated to cruelty, they’re dedicated to dishonesty, they’re dedicated to speed

I don’t disagree with that rant from the Bissinger, the author of Friday Night Lights, on Costas Now and also see the counter argument. Textura Design publishes Bike Hugger and is in the blog business (social media). Over the past 2 years, I’ve seen lots of changes and the exponential growth of the bikesphere. The bike community is one of the most active out there with no shortage of bike blogs, including this one. For every positive thing about blogging like keeping us updated on Masiguy’s status, there’s a celebrity-stalker blog posting photos of Hanna Montana’s underwear.

It’s also interesting to see a vibrant bike community while the industry itself is rather old-school, with traditional, in-the-box marketing. On a ride yesterday I talked with a designer from a Seattle-based 100-yr old company that is “aware” of blogging and social media, but not yet ready.

So the question is whether or not the bike industry is benefiting from social media? Or is it just the dumbing down of society and a massive time suck.