There are also blogs, though of a singular sort. When blogging began, it had a rebel vibe to it. Bloggers were supposed to be free thinkers deep in an organization who would tell the straight story about things, the story the public-relations department didn't want you to know. But it didn't take long for blogs to be co-opted. These days, much of the discussion about blogging, at least in the tech blogosphere, involves how companies can best use them for public relations.

Naturally, it's this new, sanitized blogging that has been adopted by the presidential campaigns. Typical blog posts involve the enthusiasm of the crowds at the latest rally or the need for supporters to get out and volunteer.