Why Blog? Why Bother?

Over the past week, I’ve received a number of emails from Capitol Annex’s many readers asking about our lack of blogging and wondering when–and, indeed if–we would return to full-throttle mode.

First and foremost, thanks to everyone who contacted us to inquire. We greatly appreciate hearing from our readers.

Second, to answer the question: today.

The 2008 Democratic Primary season was a very busy time for us here at Capitol Annex. In addition to trying like mad to blog the presidential race (which led us to an appearance on BBC) prior to March 4, we were also involved heavily in volunteering and consulting for some candidates, most notably Dale Henry’s race for Texas Railroad Commissioner.

After March 4, things only became more busy as we prepared for county conventions and the looming runoff.

With both of those events behind us, we took a little time off from blogging last week–both to rest and to reflect on the election season past.

During the course of the last week, one reader with whom we weren’t previously acquainted noted that continued coverage of Texas politics must be a “thankless and time consuming” endeavor.

That, of course, got us to thinking. Blogging is nothing if not time consuming. In order to maintain a quality blog and quality readership, it requires a lot of time. Thankless, however, is another story.

We don’t particularly believe it is a “thankless job,” although the media (and, indeed, sometimes other bloggers), and the right wing are quick to heap abuse on political bloggers.

Which begs the question, “Why blog? Why bother?”

It is not a question with an easy (or short) answer.

Having done this since 2003 (at our former blog, which many of you may have been around the blogosphere long enough to remember), from experience, we can tell you that there are many reasons citizen journalism like this is important. You can probably think of your own, but voter education–clearly–is a top priority. The mainstream media simply doesn’t have the resources or focus to pay attention to all of the races that you’ll find covered in the blogophere. Too, in terms of legislative coverage (which, we must admit, has surpassed election coverage as our favorite type of blogging), there are few outlets–the media included–where you can get information about all of the important happenings during a legislative session. Yes, the media will tell you about the general appropriations act passing the House, but they won’t tell you about State Rep. Jodie Laubenberg screaming at Rep. Rafael Anchia, or give you a blow-by-blow account of darned near every amendment and what impact each one has on the budget process.

Without being too long winded, the long and short of the answer to the question, “why blog,” is because it matters. Getting the information out there matters. Making votes aware matters. Engaging activists and recruiting more activists matters.

That’s why we blog.

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