This is the second in a series of 10 posts aimed at giving tribute to people that I enjoy reading, inspire me in real life, and I consider friends. The idea is to write a post in their “voice.” I hope I get it right. This post is for Erin Kotecki Vest.

I have always been a bit of a loud mouth.

Stop nodding. Its not that funny.

I often think long and hard about things that matter the most to me. Then, my passion begins to take over, and I will try and convince anyone I to share my passion and join in my cause.

I speak.

People listen.

And it scares the shit out of me.

I would like to think that the difference between myself and other highly passionate people is that I try to temper my passion with thought. Well, as much as I can.

I listen.

People share.

And it empowers me.

I wish that big brands and the political parties would understand the power of a guy that writes on a blog, occasionally stirring up trouble over on Twitter, and generally using social media to make a point.

The blogosphere in 2008 is not just some fringe group of mommies, geeks, writers and other (as the kids say) “cutting edge” extremists.

You may not want to listen. But our voices demand you listen.

The folks in the blogosphere collectively are able to do what singularly one person cannot.

We can hold our candidates accountable. We can bring light to corporate activities that we dont agree with.

In 2008, you have to listen.

Or we just might make you swear.

Micah Baldwin is usually over at Learn To Duck causing trouble. Or behaving. Depending.

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