This kind of thing is exactly why I'm considering not talking at journalism conferences anymore. I talk, but it seems to me that nobody hears anything but what confirms what they already think. I came to ONA to support my colleagues working on the Knight News Challenge, which exists specifically to bring new ideas into the news industry. That said, I attend to contribute new ideas, and I expect to get the same in return. With the notable exceptions of Gary, Jennifer, Courtney, Aaron, and Jan, I didn't learn anything that I didn't know two years ago. I'd get that kind of idea density in twelve minutes of your average Bloggercon.

If news organizations think that the whole point of adding community features to newspapers is to "beat" the local blogosphere into submission, then things are much, much worse than I thought. Newspapers should, in fact, invest themselves in the success of the local blog ecosystem because doing so is good for them. Trying to build a sexier walled garden is unforgivably stupid.

Chris, Ponzi,Lisa, keep the porch light on for me. Can't wait to come home.