Joi Ito and Marko Ahtisaari in a conversation about whether blogs are just, given the inequality in traffic and link stats that Clay Shirky pointed out. The premise is wrong. The charge of injustice only applies if blog traffic is like money or power; more is better; the greater can oppress the lesser.
Adam Rice has it right here: "Power laws? I don't have a problem with them. I write my blog for my own satisfaction and to let my friends know what I'm doing and what I'm thinking about. And to remind me in the future of what I was doing/thinking. While it's nice knowing that other people are reading it (which, I think, a few other people do), that's not why I do it."
Posted by alevin at January 8, 2004 01:11 AM | TrackBackTraffic and attention are a lot like money and power. It's just that money and power don't necessarily make you happy. No? Hmm... Maybe I should blog this. ;-)
Posted by: Joi Ito on January 8, 2004 02:15 AMPerhaps this is an introvert/extravert distinction.
I don't care much if I am very popular; I care more if there is some small number of people with whom I share interests and experiences. A few kindred spirits are more comforting than a cheering throng.
Posted by: Adina Levin on January 8, 2004 02:21 AM