Democratizing or Reublicanizing of the Web?

In Ben McConnell and Jackie Huba's Citizen Marketers, much time is spent analyzing the democratization of the Web. But I ask the question, doesn't it seem that this democracy is being side stepped for the republicanization of the Web?

I completely agree with the basic tenents of their argument, in which increased broadband speed, availability of more tools and open source data sharing lead to the increased ability of citizen marketers to disseminate both compelling and entertaining information.

However, does this not reflect America as a whole in that the majority of people THINK we are living in a democratic society when in fact we are more like a republic? Is it not true of both our government and the evolving blogosphere that a small number of elceted representatives are (for the most part) in charge of the country/ blogosphere?

As with government, when citizen marketers defer much of their authority to several prominent Web figures (like our Digg's and Technorati's) they have transferred a great deal of power to a select few.

Understandably, many would argue that I am way off base, and that Web sites like Digg and Technorati (both of which I have quickly fallen in love with) are merely a representation of what the blogosphere is already chatting about, calculated through numerous complex systems of algorithims and that whole shpeel (like that word? me too). But, as with elected officials, how do we know that special interest groups aren't really running the show behind the scenes?

Maybe this is just my skeptical nature at work, or maybe I'm on to something(wishful thinking perhaps?). I would love to hear back from anyone who can support or even better, contradict my statements.

Accounting 101, and why you should actually care

After just finishing my first accounting test, I'm beginning to realize the full potential of a sound knowledge of accounting principles. Not only is a knowledge of accounting good for any future career, but it comes in handy during trying economic times like those we find ourselves in at the moment.

While surfing for some good Business/ Financial Investment blogs I came across an amazing blog about "sensible personal finance" created by a self proclaimed "...average guy who found himself deep in debt."

The author of blog Get Rich Slowly discusses his journey out of $35,000 debt, and the philosophies and life lessons he learned along the way.

In addition to insightful posts, Get Rich Slowly provides the basic knowledge readers need to begin understanding their own and their countries economic troubles.

One such article I found especially interesting is What is Money? A Basic Economics Lesson from 1947

This blog is a must read for anyone interested in learning a little more about what they can do to save some $$$$ (aren't we all?).