Really? Online Web Ads are like Art?

Paglia brings up an interesting point of discussion in the chapter on Online publication. Writing on the Internet, whether Newspaper, blog, or an online magazine is often undermined if not underdeveloped. However the point of view which Paglia brings about these points are a little questionable to me. Since the whole ads as art thing has been brought up numerous times on the blog i'll leave that one alone, but would also point out that its a little far-fetched and not in the same league as a Warhol lithograph. 

Firstly, I would start off in agreement of Paglia about the scope of opinion and refreshing dialogue online writing can create in a world that is hyper sensitive to the daring articles, writers sometimes attempt to make in the traditional world. One would be ill to attempt to argue what the marketplace of ideas promoted by business did to the Internet, especially when considering its humble beginnings. Furthermore, the scope is one that is best measured by its impact on our youth (look at this class), Paglia's point about the futility of newspapers in our world cannot be denied. Newspapers are struggling, as evident by the bombardment of free papers we encounter at every subway stop in the city. If the Internet can strengthen the limping newspaper industry than Kudos. 

That being said, I do disagree with some points. Many of the pro's Paglia states about online publication such as its instantaneous ability to be updated, and its visual more abridged format are only benefits depending on how you ask. In response to the criticism made about those "verbose" pieces superfluously written, they are not doing so in the spirit of College papers that are trying to create fillers. Its not like we're paying writers by the word like Charles Dickens, what i'm saying is there is value to these type of pieces, people read them because they enjoy this type of reading and discourse. The simplicity online publication offers isn't bad, but neither is the alternative wordy article. Moreover, the free flowing format of online writing seems more a personal preference of Paglia, who harps on the stream of consciousness-like writing of Ginsberg and Kerouac, and if thats the case, thats not a benefit of online publication but a personal preference. 

Finally, I'd like to reinforce Paglia's own mention of the Internet as "an ever-expanding if still ill sorted and error filled encyclopedia...". An abundant amount of links and sources does not mean something good, too much choice can be just as bewildering and ineffective as not having any choices at all.