Over the last few days, I attended the second annual BlogWorld and New Media Expo in Las Vegas. While I think I have always been relatively up to speed with the latest trends in technology, let me tell you, this weekend opened up my eyes to a whole new world.

Most Internet users are aware of the Web 2.0 phenomenon that has occurred over the last several years with the rise of new communication platforms, such as with blogs, social networking, and microjournalism applications. I have always been aware of the wide reach of Web 2.0 applications...I just had no idea how huge it really is.

Blogs have created a blurred and sometimes confusing line with what is really "mainstream" media in today's society. As I heard someone say at the expo, "bloggers are transforming media." From my experience this weekend, that couldn't be more true.

The struggles of the newspaper industry have been discussed in great depth over the last several months. Even the most successful newspapers around the country have recognized the need and importance of blogs. According to Richard Jalichandra, the CEO of Technorati, 95 of the top 100 newspapers in the U.S. have established their own blogs.

There are countless examples of "mainstream" journalists who have made the transition to blogs simply because this is the direction the communication world is going. For example, I met Jay Christensen this weekend, a former writer for the Los Angeles Times. He now runs TheWizofOdds.com, a popular college football blog. Three years ago, Christensen realized he needed to adapt to these new media technologies by starting his own blog, and he has been successful with his approach.

Christensen's story is a perfect example of the transformation in sports coverage today as a result of these new communication platforms. While Christensen is obviously well qualified to write about sports, the fact is that anyone can now be a "journalist" by starting his/her own blog and developing a fan base. The Web 2.0 phenomenon has created opportunities for anyone to become a "citizen journalist," which can be viewed in both a positive and negative light.

Additionally, people are connecting with each other in a fashion that has never been seen before with the presence of Web sites like Facebook and Twitter. Trends like social networking and microjournalism will only continue to develop in the upcoming months and years. Honestly, who knows what the future has in store.

If you're a frequent reader of the Double-A Zone and other blogs, obviously you are up to date with these new communication platforms. So let me ask you...How have blogs and other new media technologies changed the way you follow your favorite college sports team? Do you feel more connected with your team today than you did 10 years ago?