Social change starts with the raising of awareness, and what an opportunity we have to do that on the internet, where the messages can be available instantly to millions.

If just one person reads a Blog Action Day blog and is inspired to do something that makes even a little difference, then that blogging has made a difference.

With thousands of blogs participating and millions of readers, the chances are high that many people will be inspired to take action. I certainly hope and believe so.

John, Blog Action Day is going to help people out of poverty. Its purpose is to generate a fireball of conversation that ignites lasting change long after the day’s echoes cease.

If you participate in local politics, you should blog about that.

I say do both. Blog and take offline action. To leave one undone is to fail to take advantage of a great opportunity to enhance the impact of the other.

But your point is important. As the event’s assistant event coordinator, I will be crushed if October 15 comes and goes and all that happens is a few thousand people jabber and then don’t convert words into sweat.

If you really want to make a difference, start participating in local politics where you can influence decisions made over drug and alcohol treatment, education, and rebuilding the manufacturing base.

Anything else is as pointless as Andy Hardy and Judy Garland putting on a show to save the orphanage.