Comments on Om on Google on Network Neutrality

I thoroughly enjoyed this post on GigaOm, but only partly because I'm interested in the topic -- the debate over network neutrality and Google's position on it. Mostly I enjoyed it because it's a fantastic example of great blogging. First, it started with analysis and opinion on a WSJ story by my friend Om, who was one of our most talented writers at Red Herring. Second, the comment thread has it all -- endorsements of Om's position, detractors, conspiracy theorists, and useful comments on all directions, ranging from policy prescriptions to technical prognostications. One commenter analyzes the Akamai comparison, another suggests that it's naive to think that Google won't try to secure faster access for its content, and an ISP chimes in challenging Om's "duoploy" assertion. And then, the plot thickens. Google responds, Om UPDATES, and the story turns on whether WSJ was or was not confused, and a media critique enters the foray. Some suggest that Om was too quick to judge Google and not enough of the skeptical ombudsman and Om admonishes himself for not being more careful. But taken as a whole, it's great content.

When Om was working for Red Herring or Forbes or other publications in the 1990s, he was only really held accountable by his editors -- not his readers. If he pleased his bosses, all was good, and neither he nor his editors heard much from his readers. Now, Om is holding WSJ writers accountable while in the process being very responsive to his readers. It's a thing of beauty. And it's an example of blogging done right and why Om is a credit to the medium.