I’ve read a couple of them as well and as you mentioned it is sometimes beyond the capacity of the reporter which pitches are sent where.

The internet has become a CV to millions of people (myself included) and sometimes one bad response from an influential person could cause damage for a long time.

It makes me tread carefully about my blog responses also and sometimes I reserve comment because of that. I don’t feel that is necessary though, because opinions are needed. But the influencers need to realise that it’s all about conversation (I’m getting off topic, still related, sorry) and people learning.

So whether your a journalist or a regular blog reader eager to learn but reserving comment because of an “ill tempered” blogger, the bigger picture is to get people to engage. We need to keep focus on that.