Very good point in comparing today's trawling of the 'Net to yesterday's throwing the cable. Came across a real jazzy word years ago - "reification" - referring to how language is used to construct an abstract reality. Internet pundits seem more than ever to speak of events that exist only in their columns or posts. Lacking is a direct connect to what the heck is actually going on in the real world - not in "cyberspace". Seems that the universe of discourse exists within its own realm. Comments are made about comments in other columns. Aiding and abetting this tendency is the internet not having a sense of real time and concrete place. Anyone can write anything, anywhere. Time and territory compress and fade into the space of the screen. TV and radio news and comment is based in a studio with some kind of anchor reporter. Me, I rely on communicator credibility. I pay lots more attention on the internet to sources I've read and respected elsewhere such as the daily paper (still my fave), magazines, books, TV and the like.
Also, "everybody wants to get into the act" to quote Jimmy Durante. Standing out is one thing, being outstanding another. The desire to be different, as the Toteboard suggests, inspires a willingness to make semi-true statements much like a fisherman casting his/her rod into the water. Maybe someone will bite. If not, change the baited remark.
BTW - Had heard Bob Hope's remark before 'cept it was George Burns and he used his pal Eddie Cantor as an example.
