The idea is that the non-fiction writer uses some of the tools of the fiction writer to not only liven up a piece of writing, but to give it lasting value and timeless meaning.

Notice this column has at least four elements that make it literary journalism.

One, the provocative, catchy lede.

Two, the use of metaphor (”like mucous from the flu clogs up your lungs”).

Three, drawing on literary references and allowing the influencing author to infuse the language used in the new piece.

(”It’s a meme, I tell you. A virus.” Sounds like one of Mark Twain’s characters to me)

And four, the over-arching theme. This particular piece is the perfect example of what was intended by the column name “Under the Microscope.” The idea is to use a knowledge of science, including the social sciences, to educate readers in the fields of media criticism and political reporting.

And that, my friends and enemies, is as original an idea about what a blog should do as there exists in cyberland. It is not just news. It is art, from the front page picture to the blog comment dialogue. So cut loose. Be creative…