Imus, Blogs, Social Websites and Power

As most news-conscious people now know, Imus has been suspended for two weeks. He described Rutgers women's basketball team as "some nappy-headed hos there."

What are the parallels between Imus's comment and virtual bullying?

What's the most appropriate way to respond to Imus's comment? Anybody who watches Imus regularly knows that he throws insults at just about everybody in the world, even his own wife.

He's very popular and if I might say so myself, quite funny. What is it about insult that people find funny?

What does all of this have to do with power? Who has the power on the radio? Who has power on blogs? Who has power on social computing websites?

I'm a blogger with an active voice. But I still like listening to the radio. Is there something about giving up power to allow someone else to entertain/direct your attention that people find soothing? What is it?

Are there times when it is appropriate to give up the power and times when it is inapprorpriate to give up the power? When?

On my own blog, I maintain the power. I decide what is written and what comments are posted. Are there some things that would be better written on a wiki? What about on a forum of a social community website?

I'm in charge at my blog. How should this influence what I write from a professional perspective. Can I be more critical and blunt here than I could be on a site where people could respond as equals or less so? Why?

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