Interview with News-Sentinel

Here's the NS article as published.( article )

The following is the unedited interview with Ryan Lengerich of the NS


1. I would be remiss if I didn't ask, why do you remain anonymous?

Remaining anonymous allows the content of the blog to stand on its own. People will sometimes have a preconceived notion about the opinions of people without investigating them firsthand. Do you think it adds or takes away credibility from your blog? It can do either depending on the situation. It sometimes limits the depth of the content and in turn the credibility. More importantly its credibility is reflected through the interaction of its readers. A political blog has no credibility if it doesn't have any readers.

2. Are political blogs swinging votes or do those who check them already have their minds made up?
It depends on the presentation of the blog. Some present a single ideology and will attract mostly viewers of like minds. Those sites don't change people's opinions very often. A more balanced approach with less partisianship attracts a diversified readership. When readers of diverse interact with each other they create a greater opportunity to sway people with their opinions.

3. Do enough people get political news from blogs to make them a force in local politics?
Political news is only as good as the source. Readership is driven by the quality and uniqueness of the writing. The more readers the more a force blogs can become in politics.

4. Have blogs relating to politics in Fort Wayne peaked or is this almost a trial run for what we should expect years into the future?
No. Its just getting ready to move into a new phase. Several incumbents/ candidates are realizing the capability of blogs to allow them to communicate with their constituents. A year ago there were only one or two. Now there are about a dozen with more planning to do so in the general election.

5. How many hits do you receive on your blog in a given day/week? Who is reading it and how do you know who is reading it?
Indiana Pundit gets about 2000 hits a week. But its only been around for about three months and is still growing its readership.

All the local campaigns visit the blog. My readership is as diverse as the supporters of Tina Taviano to the backers of Congressman Souder. Even a couple of guys by the names of Tracy Warner and Leo Morris have commented and/ or linked to the site.

There are several ways I can identify my readers. Commenting, email, cross links from other sites, and notes passed to me through third parties tell me who my visitors are. Blog readers are not a passive group. When I did yard sign reviews all the photos that were used came from viewers from across the county.

6. Blogs give readers the chance for instant and in some cases unfiltered comments. Is this beneficial or dangerous for readers and voters?
It is usually beneficial. It gives the podium to anybody who wants it and allows them to speak their mind. The diverse readership of the site keeps things in check.

7. Is the first primary/general election where local blogs have made an impact (if they have at all) or has this been going on for years? What accounts for the rise locally?
Its all about the ability to actively participate in the political process. People can learn about candidates and politics as well as express their opinions on the direction of government.

8. National political blogs have taken to breaking news rather than simply commenting on published reports. Is that happening in Fort Wayne and should we expect more of that in the future?
Yes. Every blogger has a unique circumstance and opportunity in their blog. It allows them to find certain things that are not covered by anywhere else. My site deals with demystifying the tactics often used by campaigns as well as a policy review.

9. If I am a canditate in next week's primary or November's general election, convince me I should care about what bloggers say about me or my opponent?
There are several reasons. First, more and more voters read blogs. They also have the ability to take what they read on the internet to other voters in the real world. . Bloggers may say things that a candidate needs to know but may otherwise not find out. Finally, things we say are being picked up more and more by popular media.

10. Any other comments?
Political blogging is about many things. Its about _expression, interaction, learning, and public service. The future of political blogging ultimately depends on whether the author/ editor of the blog enjoys what they do. I see a lot of people who love t do this and will continue to do it for a long time.