Some additional thoughts: Visible friction where before it was thoughts and discussion in a vacuum or perhaps just echo chamber–unchallenged and self-perpetuating. Transparency was never supposed to mean “neat” and orderly.

I always try to remember the term “polite society” and how certain things were just not said in its confines. Well, now, without the “manners’ barrier that precludes people from showing their butts in public discussion, there are rampant examples of bloggers flinging themselves off the deep end – the Frost SCHIP family and their supposed lap of luxury; Cpl. Scott Beauchamp’s “traitorous” reports from the Iraqi street; endless fooferaw about climate, energy.

You can make a comparison between Moulitsas and Malkin if you want, but rarely would any of Malkin’s (and her spectrum-mates’) assertions stand up to the scrutiny that so much of what Kos’ members apply to their own cohort’s claims. Facts aside, there are similarities, mostly emotional. And emotion is primary no matter your Degrees and Credentials.

Your “battle becomes the cause” is insightful I think for a simple reason. Most people don’t have the facts or the confidence to launch into debates on policy or complexities that most issues carry. But, most people want to identify with a group, it’s supposed purpose, and that group’s ‘elevating” reflection upon themselves. (Some even call this “Brand.”) So, here we have lesser equipped people needing to “contribute” but minus the additive or knowledge depth that would mark them as notable or leaderly. What do they do? Resort to the only tools they’re graced and practiced with–the lesser social skills that Jr High might perfect: criticize and police appearance, form, style, word-choice, friend-choice, etc.

Yes, trivialities that a mean the world to a 14-year old. I guess that last teen example carries into your “segregated blogosphere”" Have you noticed that 14-year olds (I have 1) also huddle together like penguins at swim meets, in malls, at any gatherings? The self-selecting nature of people (and their brand affinity, search for security) is not new. Blogs just make it more transparent in the realm of ideas and either admirable, laughable or tragic depending on your view. That it is open and plain to see and judge for oneself, I think, has positive long-term implications no matter how messy the wreckage of the journey.

best

mark