The New York Times says it may be. Robert Scoble contends it’s worth the risk.

I think this entire story is a little nuts; a hilarious example of the pedestal we, in the social media scene, are placing on communications 2.0.

I mean, we’re not talking heroin here, or even addiction to cigarettes or alcohol.

Sure, on a personal level the fact that two prominent bloggers died from heart attacks is sad.

But c’mon people, this is hardly an epidemic worthy of front page coverage in the most venerable of dailies. I ask you what job is without stress and deadlines? And who could argue that numerous occupations aren’t far more high-pressure than blogger (e.g. surgeon, police officer, firefighter, waiter, bartender, to name but a few).

The so-called 24/7 stress syndrome some bloggers experience is more likely caused by a manufactured sense of self-importance than anything else.

We may spend too much time here (hey, this is my third post of the day), but, quality of content aside, the blogosphere is hardly a physically toxic pursuit. It’s mostly about reflecting, researching, reading and writing.

If this isn’t proof of a slow news day, I don’t know what is.

About Martin Waxman


Martin Waxman, MCM, is a digital communications strategist. He conducts AI research, leads Generative AI and digital and social media training workshops and speaks at events across North America. He's co-founder of two PR agencies, president of a consultancy and has worked in the industry for nearly 30 years. Martin is a LinkedIn Learning instructor, adjunct professor at the Schulich School of Business and associate director of the Future of Marketing Institute. He also teaches digital marketing strategy at McMaster University. He's a member of the Institute for Public Relations Digital Media Research Center and a past-chair of PRSA Counselors Academy. He has a Master of Communications Management (MCM) from McMaster-Syracuse Universities.