Going the Way of the Dodo?

A friend passed along this intriguing bit of metajournalism: a blog about blogging. And, more specifically, about theater blogging.

Lyn Gardner, a critic for the Guardian, writes that, as newspapers have continued to squish arts reviews, she felt like she was on the verge of extinction. But blogging, she says, is "opening up criticism and giving us newspaper critics a necessary kick up the bum."

I agree with many of her pro-blogging arguments: blogs give critics a place to elaborate further on subjects they might not be able to squeeze into a print review, and also faciliates and encourages conversation:

"Unlike the newspaper letters page, these dialogues can be returned to again and again and can gradually evolve. Bloggers also have none of the restraints of space that occur on a newspaper reviews page. This creation of more voices can only be a good thing, bringing a wider range of background, experience and interest to the rough and tumble of critical debate. Whether or not you trust these new voices will take time to discover--just as readers of any newspaper have to decide whether their own tastes and opinions concur with those of its professional critics."

The lasting effects of the critical blogosphere have yet to be seen, but I certainly hope that they will enliven and enrich the scope and depth of arts writing. Although I do find the limitless word count a bit intimidating at times ...