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October 12, 2006Back to the Batcave
I'm disappearing from view for a time and leaving you only with this message.
With the exception of the beta release of the Labour campaign return, some general housekeeping and an extra video release or two, I'm unlikely to post anything at Bloggerheads from now until 2007.
The British political blogosphere is in a downward spiral at the moment, freshly-'captained' as it is by a range of (mostly Tory) newcomers gleefully yelling "Dive!"
Additionally, the Conservative Party and the Labour Party have shown nothing but contempt for the blogging community in their many recent attempts to exploit it, infiltrate it and/or undermine it.
Meanwhile, there are complete dickheads like these local Tories, who see weblogs as a way to spread anonymous smears and/or pass off positive comments that they've written about themselves as genuine contributions.
There's a self-correction aspect involved, but the blogosphere is largely shaped by its population. That population is shaped by perception. If the generally-held perception is that the blogosphere is a place of unregulated dishonesty, obfuscation and party-political attacks, then that is what it will become.
I have a project in mind that's designed to address this growing problem in a number of ways... and it's long-overdue.
So I'm going to pop off for a bit and make it happen.
Until then, I leave you in the capable hands of Justin McKeating, Curious Hamster, and the good people at Blair Watch.
If you want to help with the build, nothing could be easier... just send me an email or send me money:
Cheers all.
UPDATE (2nd Nov 2006) - I appear to be in good company:
BBC - Web inventor fears for the future: The British inventor of the internet (Sir Tim Berners-Lee) says he is worried about the way it could be used to spread "misinformation and undemocratic forces".
Posted by Manic on October 12, 2006 5:02 PM in the category The Political Weblog Movement
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Comments
I've been reading your blog for around 2 years now. you've done a great deal to get me interested in politics and opened my eyes to a lot of what's going on in the world. thanks tim, i really appreciate it. all the best for the future and i eagerly await your return.
Posted by: mishima at October 13, 2006 1:45 PM
ooh, new project. is it fun? can i play?
Posted by: Recess Monkey at October 16, 2006 8:50 AM
Your return is eagerly awaited. What I wanted to ask is could you use your techie mining skills to look at this on Nick Robinson's blog "Questions, questions"
97. At 11:46 AM on 17 Oct 2006, Dave wrote:
I'd ask him how he manages to cope with the constant criticism. I live in a mixed community which has a new hospital, a new library, a new community arts centre and revitalised public transport. The roads and street lighting are having money spent on them for the first time in years. My elderly mum is more comfortable in her council house than ever thanks to investment in it and help with her income. Unemployment is etc etc etc.
Later someone made this point....
109. At 12:10 PM on 17 Oct 2006, John wrote:
Regarding message 97 is "dave" actually Sion Simon?
Message 97 does rather stand out doesn't it.
Posted by: bewildebeest at October 18, 2006 11:24 AM
Come back soon.
Posted by: septicisle at October 20, 2006 9:08 PM
Yes come back soon. I'll miss your daily briefings, and the sheer amount of prose that comes out of your mind every day. Looking forward to your return - mind you, I could always pop down to your local for a drink...
Posted by: Wibbler at November 3, 2006 6:46 AM
It will be like not having my morning coffee. I will be wandering around lost all morning
Regards
Darryl
Posted by: ozdesigns at November 5, 2006 10:22 AM
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