WebProNews

Newsweek magazine's web site will work with blog search engine Technorati to provide links and integration of blog content into stories.

Congratulations, bloggers. You've just become contributing writers for Newsweek magazine. Technorati announced a deal on its web site that will see Newsweek feature its most blogged about content over a seven day period.

It's a small step toward validation of the Internet as a medium, where the best opinions don't always come from the printed pages of a massive media conglomerate. Technorati will have its name featured prominently on the Blog Roundup, which contains the top ten Newsweek stories linked to by bloggers. Also, a Technorati search box on the page gives readers an option to search Technorati's index for more opinions on topics.

Bloggers may see this from a couple of different points of view. On the positive side, traffic from Newsweek to ad-supported blogs could help boost some of the more prolific and thoughtful publishers attain greater revenue and awareness. It wouldn't be any surprise to see a blogger or two decide to follow Newsweek's stories in an attempt to capitalize on the Blog Roundup.

Could some bloggers, whether for political or personal reasons, resent a connection to Newsweek? As a mainstream publication, there will be plenty of bloggers whose views don't coincide with a Newsweek columnist or reporter opinion.

With plenty of room on the Internet for discourse, bloggers who can complement Newsweek's content, either pro or against, should take the initiative to do so. Technorati's Dave Sifry has made progress in opening the mainstream to the public. Let's take advantage of the opportunity.

David Utter is a staff writer for WebProNews covering technology and business. Email him here.