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Dale Rice, a journalist who retired in August from the Austin American-Statesman, teaches a communication course on political blogging in which students maintain a blog of their own.

With blogs, everyone can talk. But is anyone listening?

By: Melissa Appel

Posted: 11/4/08

As the world becomes more dependent on the Internet as a form of communication, many are using political blogs to express their political ideas and opinions.

The place of blogging in political communication is one of the topics in the political blogging course taught by Dale Rice, a communication professor.

"Blogging can improve your communication, writing and analytical skills, as well as provide a platform for your opinion," Rice said.

Rice worked as a journalist for 35 years before coming to Texas A&M from the Austin American-Statesman. In his time as a professional journalist, Rice gained experience in political reporting and kept a blog while working as a restaurant critic.

As part of the class, Rice has students create their own political blog and search the Internet for posted blogs concerning political issues. Students are able to find blogs from campaigns, reporters and other students. No matter the author, Rice said these blogs are a great way of getting voters involved in politics.

"[A blog] increases participation in democracy and is a great way for students to formulate and express their opinions," Rice said. "Blogs can influence the voting process by getting more people interested in and enthused about the political process."

Many students recognize the function of online blogs as a way to express themselves.

"Blogs are a good way to cultivate ideas and start discussion," said Austin Pooley, a freshman business major.

Although many see political blogs as a forum to create a personal political opinion, some said their impact is limited to the author.

"I don't think [political blogs] have any impact," said Norm Luttbeg, emeritus professor of political science and liberal arts. "Partisans gravitate to blogs expressing their ideology and partisanship. There is only crystallization of opinions, as there is no exchange of opinions."

The other potential downside to online blogs is the loss of personal contact, which some said constricts the affect of the ideas shared through blogs.

"I am not sure any communication on the Internet can equal face-to-face communications," said Luttbeg. "All Internet communication lacks personal experiences between the individuals and encourages people taking stands that they would not be willing to take in face-to-face communication. Exchanges tend to be intemperate."

"Political bloggers should stop blogging and actually do something," said Nathan Abel, a freshman math major.

Rice noted that there are problems with using blogging as a reliable form of communication.

"The downside of blogging in general is that many people on the Internet contribute to the downward spiral of political discourse in America by spreading rumors, innuendo and untruths and by showing little or no respect for their opponents," Rice said.

Nonetheless, Rice encouraged interested citizens to use political blogs and blogs of any form to express their opinions. Rice wants his students to realize there are many benefits to reap from maintaining this form of communication.

"I want [my students] to become better communicators who analyze information and present their opinions clearly and thoughtfully," Rice said.