All the more reason to find ways to ensure freedom of information - not just from government departments and the like, but among ourselves. If there's no freedom of information, there's no democracy. Public sector blogs are essential in order for the public to understand the constraints the public sector operates under. I've described to my mum countless times how much control central government has over local authorities but she still tends to blame her local authority for everything and anything. Ambulance crews undoubtedly go home and discuss their day with their families; we blog readers are an extended family. If the Daily Mail thinks it's entitled to air Prince Charles' diaries, why shouldn't we ordinary folk be entitled to air our own views? On a glummer note, I notice that even Bystander has expressed concern that his blog is being watched. On a more positive note, there are still a fair few cop blogs around.