I subscribe, therefore I belong.

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The Obama campaign's attempt to circumvent established media channels is a fascinating story unto itself, suggesting another important aspect of the internet. The fact that the internet makes it possible for sources outside of traditional media channels to function as information sources is an issue that merits examination. To a large extent, our allegiances are determined by the journals to which we subscribe, and thus mass media sources such as a daily newspaper, or a network television channel, have traditionally served to establish a broad basis of understanding or agreement, if not on the interpretation of these issues, then at least on the definition of the issues that concern us. As we discover that we're no longer dependent on these mass media sources, but can get our "news" directly from sources we choose from those with which we identify, part of our social fabric perhaps deteriorates.

Numerous others, more skilled and more knowledgeable than I am, have attempted to examine this issue, and though I certainly don't discount the possibility that I'll also try my hand at dealing with it, it's not the issue that I've chosen to examine here.

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Go to: Actually, I could have waited.