Information is power … to the people

I thought this news was pretty cool. It shows Google doing what I consider a fundamental function of this global company — enabling information to get out to those of us interested in the behind the scenes happenings of conventions. It also provides a strong recognition to bloggers, especially given the recent call from some people to have their media credentials revoked.

Google Inc. will help set up a two-story, 8,000 square-foot headquarters for hundreds of bloggers descending on the Democratic convention in Denver next week, and it will offer similar services at the Republican convention in September, as new media gain influence in politics.

Google stands to gain exposure and goodwill from 500 or so bloggers who paid $100 for access to the facility, run by a coalition of bloggers. Google’s software and services will be featured, including a kiosk in the public area of the tent where anyone can post videos on YouTube.

At the Democratic convention, bloggers from each state were chosen to be embedded with their delegations on the convention floor. Several hundred other bloggers will report from the Big Tent and at events and protests around Denver.

I’m looking forward to both conventions this year, just to see what happens and what is reported (on the blogs).