There is no doubt that blogging is a huge value addition to politics in general. Media organisations, unfortunately, tend to take themselves so seriously that they forget people are made up of passionate, impulsive instincts. And so, while editorial positions may reflect a certain ideal or ideology, it’s the voice of the people that gives a cue as to where public opinion is heading. It’s the same reason we invented the opinion poll. But in this case, no one is asking but people are telling you anyway. And depending on their number, they can be a formidable force.

And this consociational system reflects the potential the medium has for reflecting the views of the world community. That’s also because the internet brings the issue to you, you don’t have to go find it. Like the Global Climate Summit, which bloggers have arranged online. It’s not just ranting and raving. Those interested will go on fact-finding projects in their own countries. Then a conference will be arranged where a report will be put together. That will be submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention of Climate Change in November.

But another excellent question is, so what? Did it make a difference to General Musharraf that bloggers around the world thought that sacking the chief justice was dictatorial? Maybe not. But what if you wake up one morning, switch on the TV, and find that people in 67 cities in 38 countries held a rally at the same time to denounce your actions. Suddenly, the dynamic could change. The world is watching you.