The revolution may have ended - in a bloodless coup that officially allowed bloggers into the hallowed halls of journalism tonight.

Ok - maybe that's a bit strong. But Reuters is among the most well respected news brands in the world. And to even open the door the question of what role blogging plays in journalism is in itself significant.

What was more interesting is what didn't happen. None of the bloggers on the panel declared 'old media' dead. And none of the MSM folks compared blogging to CB Radio or Instant Messaging. (though X from CSJ.com did say he 'didn't think it was all such a big deal').

It was a feisty and entertaining group. Paul Holmes from Reuters was the moderator.

the BLOGGERS Team had on it's side:
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Garrett Graff (first official White House Blogger)
Jeff Jarvis (buzzmachine)
Bryan Keffer (asst Mg Edior CJR Daily)
Halley Suit (http://halleyscomment.blogspot.com)

from the MSM camp:
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John Fund (wsj editorial board member and 'laptop stealer')
Stephen Baker (Business Week - 'but i blog a little for them).

It seems that everyone acknowledges that blogging is part of the future (with Steven Levy from Newsweek asking "is Blogging a bubble?" - the answer was "no").

Among the most engaging comments - was Graff pointing out that all 'old media' was written in third person - even when it was a torture to do so. Blogging is almost always first person. Obvious, but a critical shift worth thinking about.

The overall 'can't we all just get along' mantra appeared to be 'yes' - and in that, even an admission that blogs were in some ways forcing major media to be honest (rathergate) even if bloggers were sometimes played for fools (eason jordan gate).

One non-blogging observation. Does anyone know why the weird globey thing on the NY Times Building turned briefly from white to red at 7:45? Is it a Bat Single for all reporters to return home? A warning to low flying aircraft? A signal that the early edition is no off the presses? (the Reuters building conf room looks out over the Times (i'm sure they love that).