You would think that I hate blogs, but I've actually become a big fan, especially when combined with a good Reader. Sure, almost all blogs are total crap, but there are exceptions that make the medium worthwhile overall.

For example, I have a coworker whose family is going through some really awful medical shit, in and out of hospitals, the ICU, etc. Neither he nor I are ever likely to be comfortable sitting down and talking about it at length, but I still care deeply and want to know what's going on. Fortunately, he keeps a blog about it for his own family, so I can keep track (and bite my fingernails) without having to assail him at work to awkwardly express some clumsy sentiment or make him rehash the details.

Then I have another friend who is going through a divorce that's pretty hard on her. She and I rarely find time to talk because of her kids, my life, and the time difference, but I can still stay somewhat connected because she posts on her MySpace blog.

I must note, however, that at the bottom of her most recent (deeply personal) blog post was this advertisement. Highly relevent, targeted advertising, maybe, but now might not be the best time to hit this particular customer with this particular message, you know?