A debate continues to rage throughout the campus regarding intelligent design and evolution. For those of you who keep up with the Reader's Forum, you know exactly what I'm talking about. 

   Since several students and faculty members have been defending their side of the issue ever since last semester, the topic has grown old and no longer belongs in the Reader's Forum. However, that doesn't mean the debate must end. I encourage all readers that wish to share their opinions on this controversial topic to make their way over to the blog, where they can post their comments in real-time.  

   Unfortunately, The Voice's blog has experienced minimal use thus far. I thought perhaps this might be due to some people still being unsure of what a blog is or how to utilize it. If that is indeed the case, then I can help. 

   A blog, a modern-day journal, documents the latest happenings of specific people or areas. So for example, The UAM Voice blog documents popular topics among UAM students and provides them with a forum to discuss it with other students, faculty and whoever else might read the publication.

  Blogs were around long before the term was coined, but the fad didn't gain force until the introduction of automated publishing systems, most notably Blogger at blogger.com and LiveJournal at livejournal.com. Thousands of people all over the Web are using these services to ease and accelerate their publishing needs.

   The Voice jumped onto the blog bandwagon in the fall of 2004 when a blog was integrated with the online version of the publication. You can access it by clicking on "blog" within the Editorial section of the paper. Once inside, click on "leave a comment" to let your voice be heard.

   I always enjoy reading letters to the editor and even urge readers to send those when addressing a new topic or recently published story. However, I think it would be more beneficial to everyone to begin taking better advantage of the blog when it comes to ongoing topics, which allows faster posting and better interactivity with other readers.

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