Merlin Mann of 43 Folders fame provided a great roundup of what elements make a blog good. Interestingly, in looking at the nine characteristics, I see some advantages for mainstream media bloggers and others for independent bloggers. Here's his list (visit his post to read descriptions of each):

1. Good blogs have a voice.

2. Good blogs reflect focused obsessions.

3. Good blogs are the product of "Attention times Interest."

4. Good blog posts are made of paragraphs.

5. Good "non-post" blogs have style and curation.

6. Good blogs are weird.

7. Good blogs make you want to start your own blog.

8. Good blogs try.

9. Good blogs know when to break their own rules.

Full-time reporters who cover a beat for a news organization and contribute to a blog on that topic have an advantage with Nos. 3, 4 and 8. Since they are paid to work 40 hours a week (or more, if you cover sports) they can be more invested than an independent blogger, unless that blogger has "turned pro" and is supported financially by blogging and doesn't have the distraction of a day job, of course.

Independent bloggers have the advantage in Nos. 1, 2, 6 and 9 since they can write their own rules without worry about editors "directing" their focus. And then, of course, they can break those rules.

Regardless of whether you see it through these lenses or not, if you blog or like to read blogs, Mann's post is priceless.

Saw this link on CNN.com's homepage this morning ...

KIRO: Bikini barista throws hot water on flasher

I thought, could that be our KIRO, news partner of the News Tribune? And, if so, could that be a South Sound bikini barista?

Yes, on both counts.