While there’s no doubting its potential for bringing people together both online and offline, social media still attracts the naysayers who believe it to be nothing more than a passing fad. Although, like anything, there may be some truth in this, there’s also no denying that when used properly, social media can offer a powerful united voice on the topics that matter. November looks set to continue this worthy trend.

Bloggers and blogging often come in for criticism from both those outside the blogosphere, and in the mainstream media. A lot of this criticism is understandable, with many bloggers and blog commenters engaging in nothing more than juvenile insults and fanboy hysteria. Yet when done properly, blogging offers one of the most open and provocative mediums around. Nowhere is this more evident than the annual Blog Action Day, and this year’s topic is both relevant and urgent.