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In searching for an interesting topic of discussion this week (I'm going for at least two comments this week!), I came across an article circa 2003 in which a Houston Chronicle reporter got canned for having a blog.

Actually, he had what was once known as a "Weblog," which has since been shortened to what we now know and love as a "blog."

Here's the article's address: http://www.nieman.harvard.edu/reports/03-3NRfall/91-92V57N3.pdf.

I didn't even know blogs existed in 2003, so I'd say this guy was ahead of his times. He did do something a little dumb in my opinion. He criticized the paper for which he worked in his blog and there's a lesson in that. Never bite the hand that feeds you.

But back in '03, this reporter asked if there was a place for "Weblogs" in the newspaper biz.

Fast forward to '06 and the answer is a resounding, "Yes!"

Now reporters are blogging everywhere.

Go to any major newspaper web site and I guarantee you there's a link to a blog.

USA Today has a side bar on its web site that has a link to all its blogs that talk about everything from breaking news to pop culture.

Three years ago a blog got someone fired. Today blogs thrive in the online newspaper environment, turning everyday reporters into columnists and commentators.

This reporter asked three years ago if blogs could work.

Well, I'm going ask will blogs ever stop?