Comments on: The First Blogger http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/ Academic insights for the thinking world. Fri, 24 May 2013 18:48:58 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.2 By: clfagan http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-154232 clfagan Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:53:36 +0000 http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-154232 Who was the first American Blogger? In an antiquated world with no technology, Benjamin Franklin stood alone as the first and foremost blogger and social networker. Franklin’s editorials were printed weekly in almost every newspaper in the American colonies, much like the blogs people post today. And each day of the week for over twenty years, he penned pithy sayings in Poor Richard’s Almanac—sayings that at under a hundred and forty characters long could easily be considered the same as tweets today. He also corresponded with over six hundred people worldwide by snail-mail on a yearly basis, more names than most people have in their entire email address book. In extensive research on Ben Franklin for my new historical time travel novel, Lightning Strikes the Colonies, (to be published November 1st) it was interesting to learn that this incredible humanitarian, scientist, and journalist was the first to network world wide. Who was the first American Blogger?

In an antiquated world with no technology, Benjamin Franklin stood alone as the first and foremost blogger and social networker.
Franklin’s editorials were printed weekly in almost every newspaper in the American colonies, much like the blogs people post today. And each day of the week for over twenty years, he penned pithy sayings in Poor Richard’s Almanac—sayings that at under a hundred and forty characters long could easily be considered the same as tweets today. He also corresponded with over six hundred people worldwide by snail-mail on a yearly basis, more names than most people have in their entire email address book.

In extensive research on Ben Franklin for my new historical time travel novel, Lightning Strikes the Colonies, (to be published November 1st) it was interesting to learn that this incredible humanitarian, scientist, and journalist was the first to network world wide.

]]> By: Who was the first blogger - Orange Punch - OCRegister.com http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-153729 Who was the first blogger - Orange Punch - OCRegister.com Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:36:29 +0000 http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-153729 [...] Sunday at 79 but had a lot of fun and skewered a lot of egos while yet he lived, once speculated on who might have been the first blogger. See if you agree. Share this [...] [...] Sunday at 79 but had a lot of fun and skewered a lot of egos while yet he lived, once speculated on who might have been the first blogger. See if you agree. Share this [...]

]]> By: Mark Alonge http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-153723 Mark Alonge Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:31:05 +0000 http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-153723 A small correction: Mr. Safire has misunderstood the title of the edition of Pliny he's talking about. The title indicates that this edition contains two distinct works, first, the letters of Pliny arranged in 10 books, and second, an oration in praise of the emperor Trajan, which is known as the Panegyricus. Mr. Safire's construing of the title would be correct if it were "Epistolarum libri X: Panegyricus," but the full stop in this case is more like a comma: it is separating two different things that are in a series. The characterization of Pliny's letters, however, is basically accurate, nonetheless. A small correction: Mr. Safire has misunderstood the title of the edition of Pliny he’s talking about. The title indicates that this edition contains two distinct works, first, the letters of Pliny arranged in 10 books, and second, an oration in praise of the emperor Trajan, which is known as the Panegyricus. Mr. Safire’s construing of the title would be correct if it were “Epistolarum libri X: Panegyricus,” but the full stop in this case is more like a comma: it is separating two different things that are in a series. The characterization of Pliny’s letters, however, is basically accurate, nonetheless.

]]> By: Cogito Ergo Doleo http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-145287 Cogito Ergo Doleo Sun, 13 Apr 2008 17:14:08 +0000 http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-145287 Apologies to both rogueclassicist and rbtroj for the confusion. The former posited the belief the father of satire wins, not the latter. Apologies to both rogueclassicist and rbtroj for the confusion. The former posited the belief the father of satire wins, not the latter.

]]> By: Cogito Ergo Doleo http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-145280 Cogito Ergo Doleo Sun, 13 Apr 2008 03:40:54 +0000 http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-145280 Oh, Dear . . . Please forgive me, rbtroj, for my incorrect attribution; it was the esteemed rogueclassicist who declared the father of Roman satire the winner, not you. I am deeply sorry. Oh, Dear . . . Please forgive me, rbtroj, for my incorrect attribution; it was the esteemed rogueclassicist who declared the father of Roman satire the winner, not you. I am deeply sorry.

]]> By: Cogito Ergo Doleo http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-145273 Cogito Ergo Doleo Sat, 12 Apr 2008 12:27:47 +0000 http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-145273 While rbtroj's on the money concerning the Safirical challenge, IMO, rbtroj's off the mark when it comes to pronouncing the father of Roman satire "the winner" (unless, of course, said commentarian can produce evidence anyone has had greater success at reaching and / or influencing human beings than Christ Himself). The sheer number of Christians, surely, suggests there are far more of them than converts to Lucilianity? (Sorry about the silly punishment; but, it might work as a line of dialogue in The Life of Brian: In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holi-Roli-Poli Luciliantics . . ..) While rbtroj’s on the money concerning the Safirical challenge, IMO, rbtroj’s off the mark when it comes to pronouncing the father of Roman satire “the winner” (unless, of course, said commentarian can produce evidence anyone has had greater success at reaching and / or influencing human beings than Christ Himself). The sheer number of Christians, surely, suggests there are far more of them than converts to Lucilianity?

(Sorry about the silly punishment; but, it might work as a line of dialogue in The Life of Brian: In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holi-Roli-Poli Luciliantics . . ..)

]]> By: podictionary still elsewhere Thursdays | podictionary - for word lovers - daily stories, trivia & dictionary etymology http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-145232 podictionary still elsewhere Thursdays | podictionary - for word lovers - daily stories, trivia & dictionary etymology Thu, 10 Apr 2008 05:00:59 +0000 http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-145232 [...] post my material alongside the likes of Anatoly Liberman “The Oxford Etymologist” and William Safire of the New York Times is just too good to [...] [...] post my material alongside the likes of Anatoly Liberman “The Oxford Etymologist” and William Safire of the New York Times is just too good to [...]

]]> By: rogueclassicist http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-145231 rogueclassicist Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:22:47 +0000 http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-145231 @rbtroj Yes, it does so contract, but WS' 'challenge' states: "That means we should reach back in history to find the person who first popularized the idea of influencing the world by using some medium to get across his ideas to large groups." ... father of Roman satire wins ... @rbtroj

Yes, it does so contract, but WS’ ‘challenge’ states:

“That means we should reach back in history to find the person who first popularized the idea of influencing the world by using some medium to get across his ideas to large groups.”

… father of Roman satire wins …

]]> By: rbtroj http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-145178 rbtroj Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:02:48 +0000 http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-145178 Doesn't "blog" contract from "web log"? Thereby somewhat requiring the Internet as a platform? If so, then it is silly to suggest anyone from antiquity as a "blogger". I'm with the commenter who nominated Doogie Howser (even though he wasn't using the Web). Doesn’t “blog” contract from “web log”? Thereby somewhat requiring the Internet as a platform? If so, then it is silly to suggest anyone from antiquity as a “blogger”. I’m with the commenter who nominated Doogie Howser (even though he wasn’t using the Web).

]]> By: Kritikon Commonplace Book » Bloxicography … http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-145169 Kritikon Commonplace Book » Bloxicography … Mon, 07 Apr 2008 11:10:03 +0000 http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-145169 [...] Wiliam Safire on The First Blogger. He certainly has a point about the first [...] [...] Wiliam Safire on The First Blogger. He certainly has a point about the first [...]

]]> By: Cogito Ergo Doleo http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-144860 Cogito Ergo Doleo Sat, 05 Apr 2008 02:20:41 +0000 http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-144860 Oh, Jesus? The Apostles? King David, et.ilk.? Oh, Jesus? The Apostles? King David, et.ilk.?

]]> By: Anne Onymous http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-144811 Anne Onymous Fri, 04 Apr 2008 22:08:00 +0000 http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-144811 Typical "Safire"istry: Ask a question as a 'hook,' and then answer a different question -- without ever resolving the question first posed. The burden of proof, sir, is on the writer. Typical “Safire”istry: Ask a question as a ‘hook,’ and then answer a different question — without ever resolving the question first posed.

The burden of proof, sir, is on the writer.

]]> By: Tags http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-144735 Tags Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:03:52 +0000 http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-144735 How about consensuous? How about consensuous?

]]> By: Tito http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-144733 Tito Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:52:52 +0000 http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-144733 If we go back to Cicero's and/or Pliny's era, we can come to the conclusion that today's society is not the 'first' to do anything. The way we handle politics was established back then, religion, war, communication. All we've changed is the 'how' not the 'why' or 'what'. To be honest with you, I'm not an expert in history, but Pliny the Younger is a good nominee. He gave us the idea, so now we need to formulate a different question, and try to figure out who was the first actualy blogger of our era. If we go back to Cicero’s and/or Pliny’s era, we can come to the conclusion that today’s society is not the ‘first’ to do anything. The way we handle politics was established back then, religion, war, communication.
All we’ve changed is the ‘how’ not the ‘why’ or ‘what’.

To be honest with you, I’m not an expert in history, but Pliny the Younger is a good nominee. He gave us the idea, so now we need to formulate a different question, and try to figure out who was the first actualy blogger of our era.

]]> By: Ohg Rea Tone http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-144730 Ohg Rea Tone Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:39:38 +0000 http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-144730 The idea of blogging is not new - early printing presses gave birth to the first blogs. Professional journalism gained prominence in the 20th Century - but pitfall remained. The modern blogger is redefining the constraints of journalism........... http://thefiresidepost.com/2007/10/14/writing-blogging-journalism/ The idea of blogging is not new – early printing presses gave birth to the first blogs. Professional journalism gained prominence in the 20th Century – but pitfall remained. The modern blogger is redefining the constraints of journalism………..
http://thefiresidepost.com/2007/10/14/writing-blogging-journalism/

]]> By: Anonymous http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-144728 Anonymous Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:32:49 +0000 http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-144728 Safire was a steadfast supporter of Bush's rush to war. He has blood on his hands, an no measure of artful word-smithing will wash it away. Safire was a steadfast supporter of Bush’s rush to war. He has blood on his hands, an no measure of artful word-smithing will wash it away.

]]> By: RHR http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-144724 RHR Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:17:44 +0000 http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-144724 Moses deserves a mention at least, those sturdy, stone tablets being a medium certainly, and a desire to influence being the motive. Moses deserves a mention at least, those sturdy, stone tablets being a medium certainly, and a desire to influence being the motive.

]]> By: boombaby http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-144722 boombaby Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:13:37 +0000 http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-144722 I'm no scholar, but didn't God start this way back when and continues to blog, daily? I’m no scholar, but didn’t God start this way back when and continues to blog, daily?

]]> By: ezekay http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-144709 ezekay Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:18:11 +0000 http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-144709 "Hundreds of weblog pioneers will compete for that title, and it will be interesting to see whoM they will consense upon." You phony. “Hundreds of weblog pioneers will compete for that title, and it will be interesting to see whoM they will consense upon.”

You phony.

]]> By: Michael Lee http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-144677 Michael Lee Fri, 04 Apr 2008 11:36:18 +0000 http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-144677 How about St. Paul? All those letters ... How about St. Paul? All those letters …

]]> By: rogueclassicist http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-144652 rogueclassicist Fri, 04 Apr 2008 09:10:21 +0000 http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-144652 Lucilius ... hands down. Lucilius … hands down.

]]> By: A/V Setup http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-144530 A/V Setup Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:58:11 +0000 http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-144530 Pliny put the "guy" in Gaius. Pliny put the “guy” in Gaius.

]]> By: Cassie http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-144449 Cassie Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:02:56 +0000 http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-144449 My vote's for Doogie Howser, MD. Remember, he had that computer journal he kept at the end of every episode? Okay, so he's not a "real" person, but still. Blogging is a huge part of modern pop culture, so where better to claim it started than on a tv show? My vote’s for Doogie Howser, MD. Remember, he had that computer journal he kept at the end of every episode?

Okay, so he’s not a “real” person, but still. Blogging is a huge part of modern pop culture, so where better to claim it started than on a tv show?

]]> By: Ann Dozzi http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-144440 Ann Dozzi Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:37:18 +0000 http://blog.oup.com/2008/04/william_safire/#comment-144440 First! I don't know who the first blogger is, but the "wirst" blogger is definitely Perez! You like that play on words-first/wirst? I kill myself! First!

I don’t know who the first blogger is, but the “wirst” blogger is definitely Perez!
You like that play on words-first/wirst?
I kill myself!

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