I am a blogger but I am not lonely

There has been a lot said in the blogosphere about Michael Keren's theory that "bloggers are isolated and lonely, living in a virtual reality instead of forming real relationships or helping to change the world".  (click on any of the words above or type 'Michael Keren' into Technorati.com to read what others have been saying).

His comments are extreme and have definitely raised the heckles of many a blogger. As a blogger my heckles were quick to rise and quick to settle down again as I realized he is only one voice and entitled to share that voice as much as the next person.

Yesterday I had lunch with Judy Gombita, manager of communications, at the Certified General Accountants of Ontario. Judy has become, not only an AIMS volunteer, but a friend. We meet for lunch occasionally and swap thoughts, ideas, and conversation about many things but our views on social media always seems to be a common thread.

This morning I received an email from Judy referencing something we discussed yesterday. The conversation we started in person continued over email and resulted in Judy stating 'you know, this would make the basis of a great blog post...one that encouraged/invited feedback from members.'

I won't get into the details of the exchange now (another time, another blog post). My point is that contrary to Michael's opinion my in-person communication sparked an idea that will continue to be discussed and shared with others.

Are there bloggers out there with no readers who are baring their soul? Of course. But to lump all bloggers into this category is  dismiss the thousands (millions?) of conversations happening between people all over the world.

What do you think? The blogging community has been quick to critique Michael Kerner's theory. I'm interested in what blog readers who don't write their own blog think of all this...