This post from the National Review Online media blog in memory of Daniel Pearl serves as a reminder of the roles media can play in providing information, good and bad.

CanuckFlack cites a public relations crisis, mainly that those close to us (family, friends) may view PR professionals as little more than spin doctors. He says, “unfortunately, no voluntary code, industry standards or charter will change that perception. There will always be a cheap, dirty and dishonest alternative willing to ‘do PR’ for a client.”

The internet is a social graph, says Jeff Jarvis at the Buzz Machine. According to Jeff, the internet itself is a social network, holding our identities, reputations, relationships, interests, information and lives.

Catharine P. Taylor at Adverganza shares her views on the SuperBowl ads.

A quick note from the Bottom Rung featuring Starbuck’s new gift cards. Starbucks has made it even easier for customers to order by providing a customizable gift card, since most people probably order the same thing.

Our friend Shashi Bellamkonda was featured on Shel Israel’s blog this week. The interview shows how Shashi’s personal relationships from blogging and participating in the online community were able to defuse some tough corporate situations.