Blog World sent me some story ideas ahead of its inaugural Blog World & New Media Expo in Las Vegas next month. Here are my thoughts on some of their suggestions.
  “Blogging becoming mainstream—research from Parks Associates shows a significant percentage of U.S. households visit social networking sites and/or read blogs regularly!” • Key questions: Should I cancel my cable? Why can’t my Epson QX-10 computer get Facebook?
  “Former journalists are now making lucrative careers blogging—many make six-figure salaries or more.” • With six figures, I could finally replace that QX-10, as long as decimal points don’t count. Maybe I could even move out of my parents’ basement. Does Steve Hall make six figures? Note to self: Quit on Monday, or at least find a new place for lunch.
  “Standards are being set, codes of ethics refined. What procedures and policies are in place or being solidified for self-employed bloggers?” • If I employ myself, who sends the checks? Related: Remember to send Mom a birthday card.
  “Monetizing blogs through advertising revenue—a win/win opportunity for bloggers AND advertisers.” • You can advertise on blogs?! Must e-mail Huffington and Zuckerberg and ask.
  “How is the ‘blogosphere’ impacting the viability of traditional print media—has the insurgence of blogs caused/is about to cause the demise of key business and news pubs over the past few years (e.g., Industry Standard, Red Herring, Business 2.0?)” • That would explain why I haven’t gotten my Industry Standard, Red Herring and Business 2.0 in a while.
  Food for thought, indeed. I can’t make it to Vegas, but I’ll follow the event as best I can on my QX-10. As long as they’re webcasting it on CompuServe.

—Posted by David Gianatasio