Blogging politicians

While politicians are paying increasing attention to the blogosphere (both as a political tool and a target for ire), so far they've been cautious about actually entering it. John Tamihere's blog was swiftly canned, Helen Clark's brief dip in the waters was little more than a travelogue (and one obviously written by a flack, at that), and Tim Barnett's blog only lasted for the election campaign (more's the pity). About the only politician we've had blogging for a while is Rodney Hide. However, now he's got company - Greens co-leader Russel Norman is about to start blogging at Frogblog.

It's one way of helping to build his profile and keeping Green members engaged (direct access to the leadership! Try getting that in the Labour Party!), but of course its also bound to attract attention from the sewer. I just hope he has the patience to deal with their shit-flinging and abuse...