...One of the truly most damaging problems we have faced is that the people in these journalistic and political circles have cared far more about defending themselves and preserving their status in these clubs than they have cared about performing their role as journalists. They defend each other instinctively and truly see themselves as beyond criticism and above accountability, particularly from those who have not reached their lofty journalistic heights. The blogosphere has made it impossible for them to maintain that cocoon. They now have to hear criticism of their work and sometimes even have to lower themselves to addressing it...read on

(Update): Big Media Ezra (Atrio's nickname) disagrees with Glenn. It's a good discussion and both Klein and Greenwald respond on Ezraa's thread. Ezra and Glenn are both my friends. Glenn blogs on this site regularly now. Just because people blog, doesn't mean they are bloggers or even like the blogosphere. It's a new medium that they know they should be involved with. I've talked with many journalists who feel that their industry has big problems because of elitism.