Bringing heat, bringing light

A solid rule of thumb is don't type what you wouldn't say in person to the object of your post/email etc. Hopefully, we have followed this advice but surely some will think we have fallen short at times. Anonymity becomes too safe a refuge for some who fail to comprehend both the damage that can be done and the hurt inflicted. And for what as snark is fairly simple to create. Heat is good at times -- even necessary -- as long as it is accompanied by light.

In the Internet age, are things truth or blog?
chris gabel
Reno Gazette-Journal
July 27, 2008

"Some of these things that happen that are on blogs and on the Internet, there's no legs, there's just no reason. They just get out there and then you have to put them out."

That was Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona recently, responding to a rumor about his club that was circulating on the Web. Francona is far from alone in his view of the Wild West territory that is the sports blogosphere.

Athletes around the country say they steer clear of what is written about them on the Internet, much the way they avoid newspaper columns. Blogs can be the sports equivalent of the National Enquirer or the New York Post's Page 6 gossip columns.

Content ranges from facts to unconfirmed gossip, funny to sophomoric and boorish.

They can give a humorous take on the stories that go beyond the box score, and often beyond the field or court. The Kevin Hart saga (of the Fernley High football player who committed to play for a college that did not recruit him) made the national sites, as did Jessica Simpson's appearance at the American Century Championship golf tournament earlier this month.

"There's no doubt many blogs push the envelope as to what's acceptable," said Ryan Jerz, operator of the local blog, "Mr. Jerz...."

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