A few years back it seemed that all anyone could talk about was blogging. Writers were pumping out books on the subject and everyone started their own ego satisfying, self promoting little website and began calling themselves pundits or gurus. By now however the truth has come out as blog posts have ruined reputations, careers, and in some cases even led to murder. It's true, don't laugh.

The negative aspects and risks of blogging have not only become apparent in the world of college dating or video gaming excess however.

No doubt writers everywhere have realized that blogging is essential for not only marketing, but for consumer contact as well. So have real estate agents, doctors, lawyers, truck drivers, or anyone else trying to sell themselves or their services.

That is of course the most negative impact that the popular acceptance of blogging has had on the internet. Blogs have been professionalized as marketing tools that offer no more substance than the 30 second television commercials they have replaced for the broadband demographic.

It's not that marketing is a bad thing, but it can't be the only thing a good blog does. Much like an actor appearing on the Tongiht Show would not use all his air time talking up his new movie, a blogger should not write every post about their new book.

There is a "leave a comment" link for a reason, it is because blogs were intended not only to entertain and provoke thought, but to communicate.