Several weeks ago, nearly 200 enthusiasts from around the state attended the first ever Utah Bloggers’ Conference held at the Larry H. Miller Campus of the Salt Lake Community College.  Organizers Ryan Money and Phil Burns fashioned a discussion panel consisting of various tech/blog “experts” (i.e. Pete Ashdown of xmission) from various segments of the tech and journalism worlds.

I must admit the reason for my attendance at this event was primarily political in nature. You see, the Blogosphere is inundated with a liberal voice, yet, I had heard Paul Allen (founder of MyFamily.com, Provo Labs, etc.) would be in attendance.  Now, I don’t know Paul personally; but I have it from a reliable source that he worked on Tom Draschill’s congressional campaign a number of years back.  What would a perceived conservative, entrepreneur like Paul Allen be doing hanging out with a bunch of liberals?

The shoot-from-the-hip Q&A format was a little perplexing—initially.  Most of what was said I didn’t understand.  Yet somehow I knew there was a message here.  And, by the time the congregation began to depart (nearly two hours later) I WAS A CONVERT!  I couldn’t wait to get home to tell my friends and family what I had learned.

What I didn’t realize was how time-consuming blogging can be.  Despite the initial costs (dollars and opportunity), this relatively new format of electronic monologue and dialogue has some fascinating political potential.  Rep. Steve Urquhart (R-St. George), the Utah State House Majority Whip, has been blogging since November of 2004.  Rep. John Dougall (R-Highland) has some intriguing articles posted to his blog.  Even our House Majority Leader, Rep. Jeff Alexander (R-Provo), chimes in occasionally to set the record straight (or at least put his spin on an issue).  Anyway…

I thought I’d try it out.  Don’t expect anything earth shattering.  I do, however, expect and want this blog to become an open forum for frank (pun intended) and thoughtful discussion on a number of political, economic, and historical topics.  This blog is NOT an exposé!  So, please be at least marginally sensitive to others opinions and …

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!