Thanks for taking the time to comment about www.Autoblog.com and what we’re doing at www.weblogsinc.com. Some feedback on your comments.

>> Calacanis blogs (and Denton's for that matter) have a mission,
>> sell as much advertising as they can by generating hits for their blogs.

Actually, this is total incorrect. As I did with the various magazines I’ve started in the past what I’m trying to do is create a brand and content with an editorial voice that speaks to consumers. Something that helps them, entertains them and informs them. That is all I care about. Making advertising money will only happen, I’ve learned from over 10 years creating brands in print and online, when you create that trusted relationship with the reader. So, we’re not trying to make money… we are trying to build great brands. If we succed they make money, if we fail they don’t.

>> Can't blame them for trying, but it shows the fundamental misunderstanding of blog
>> audiences, individuals that feel they are getting something valuable and a distinctive
>> alternative to professional or industry media and publications.

We are creating something that is decidedly NOT professional or from the industry. Let me explain. First, our blogs are done by normal people and they are not edited. Second, are blog posts and editorial are driven—in large part—by the audience. The only difference between our blogs and an individual’s blog is that a) we have a nice logo and design, b) we have consistency because we have a number of people working on them (you won’t see our blogs taking three weeks off, etc), and c) we have singular focus on the blogs (i.e. babies at www.bloggingbaby.com, video games at www.joystiq.com, etc).

>> There is something pathetic about this blurb on Autoblog:
>> Autoblog is a blog — an online magazine — obsessively covering the auto industry.
>> We aren't paid to mention specific products and we don't get to keep all of the cool
>> stuff you see here. We just love cars. All advertising will be clearly labeled as
>> advertising.
>> To me this screams hey, we are a pukka blog, we are in and hip and cool! Read us, we
>> are just as much fun as all these other blogs.

Not sure I understand you criticism of the disclaimer, but www.autoblog.com will be the first blog many people read. We’re trying to educate the audience as to what is going on. Although blogging may be obvious to you we are bringing it to the masses, and 95%+ of the people in America have never read a blog.

All the best, and it you have any questions ping me any time!

Jason
http://calacanis.weblogsinc.com

I am impressed. The comment above shows Jason understands the power of the conversation. Fair enough. Thanks a measured response. :-)

I have had further thoughts about why I react to some 'commercial' blogs the way I do and I do owe Jason a fair attempt to explain. Which I will do in the next post...