Are you a weekly print magazine scrambling to attract attention and new readers? How about running a cover story entitled "The Internet Sucks"? It's sure to capture some attention, especially from those much-coveted younger readers that have embraced the Web so enthusiastically. So what's got Maclean's so hot and bothered about the Web - other than as a way jump-start subscription sales? According to IT Business' Shane Schick, it has much to do with the scourge of online pornography, gambling, identify theft, and the emergence user-generated content such as blogs. Apparently, there's little in the article about the Internet's positive contributions such as its ability to dramatically change how we communicate, access information, do business, etc. Sure, the Internet is far from perfect and there are unsavoury elements but you could say that about every aspect of society. To dismiss the Internet as something that "sucks", frankly, sucks. (By the way, if you're looking for the article online, it's ironically not on the Maclean's Web site yet as far as I can tell. You can, however, check out the magazine's growing portfolio of blogs, including an audioblog).

After being given seven whole days to evaluate the Blackberry Pearl, I've decided...not to get one. Why? It likely has much to do with the fact I'm a long-time user of Blackberrys with a QWERTY keypad. As much as the Pearl's SureType keypad is supposed to be inuitive, I found it frustrating. Rather than jump on the Pearl bandwagon, I'm going to wait for the 8800 to come out later this year. While it's not as sexy as the Pearl, it's what I know and like. As for the Pearl, it's got a lot going for it. The small size, great screen and functionality is impressive, and I easily understand why carriers have been having trouble keeping it on the shelves. It's just not for me.

Ze Frank doesn't believe Rocketboom numbers. In a recent post on the ins and outs of videoblogging, Ze Frank questioned Rocketboom's popularity - describing anything that's exaggerated (Web traffic, etc.) as "Rocketbooming". Given Ze Frank's got a lot of street cred, you have to wonder why he's so upset about Rocketboom's stats - jealousy, envy, principles? Rocketboom's Andrew Baron, who has had a tough 2006, responds here.