NEWS Following last Thursday's London bombings, people from across the globe have logged on to the web to vent anger, express comfort and seek community.
Through online posts, people in London, the Middle East and around the world voiced a range of emotions, opinions and political commentary.
Among bloggers in London, the overriding reaction to the bombings was a mixture of defiance, determination and pride.
A contributor to the BBC site in London, who identified herself as Lizzie Platt, wrote: "I didn't want to get on the Tube this morning but I did, because not to do so would be a small admission of defeat.
Other global emergencies - including the Asian tsunami disaster and the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US - also drew an outpouring of emotion, opinion and commentary online. Yet media observers noted that this week so-called citizen journalism seemed to gain a new level of legitimacy.
The BBC and The Guardian websites encouraged ordinary citizens to post observations in blogs and published the material side-by-side with stories from their staff. TV stations reportedly ran video clips and photos taken by bystanders with their mobile phones.
The result, for many readers, was a fascinating and personal view of the events happening oceans away. For instance, contributors to the BBC site conveyed a sense of shock and fear, acknowledging how vulnerable many Londoners felt in the aftermath of the attacks. Some of the most touching entries were written by teenagers.
James Gould wrote: "As a 13-year-old Londoner, I also yesterday, like many, went through the horror of worrying about my mum and other members of my family. I was fortunate that they were all fine, I know others were not as lucky as me and my heart goes out to them."
A widespread feeling of gratitude at the orderly response to the disaster from both authorities and fellow citizens was also apparent on the blogs. Some people used them as a way to thank strangers for the kindness showed in a stressful situation.
"Thank you to the kind lady in her MPV running a free shuttle service between Marble Arch and Shepherd's Bush last night," said one anonymous writer. "No fuss, no nonsense - just a sense of humour and the Dunkirk Spirit. Made me proud of my city and proud of my country. It'll take more than this to break the Brits."
The event triggered an online outpouring of support and sympathy from around the globe. Messages from New York and Madrid, two western cities wrenched by past terrorist attacks, were especially poignant.
Alicia Lorente in Barcelona wrote on The Guardian's blog: "As a Spaniard who lived very closely to the March 11th attacks in Madrid, I wish to express my solidarity to all Londoners who have experienced today the unjustified terrorist attacks that some heartless fanatics had carefully planned for a day which should have been plenty of joy and pride for all UK people. Be strong and keep fighting against fanaticism worldwide."
Not all blog posts were written in a spirit of unity and tolerance, however. A Guardian blogger by the name of Fiona wrote: "We in general are far more tolerant than the other countries (particularly the french) ... Good bye muslims so nice of you to use our country and the liberalisme of our laws."
Meanwhile, Muslim bloggers expressed a mix of shame, regret and indignation over the attack.
A BBC contributor in Paris who identified herself as Jasmine wrote: "As a French Muslim I am deeply upset and ashamed by this barbaric attack on London, all my thoughts are with those affected by this horrible event, there can be no justifications, and it is high time now for us Muslims to stand against those who have taken our religion hostage and show the world that we have nothing to do with terror."
Other writers, both in the east and in the west, reflected on the political dynamics of attacks, particularly how the US and British-led attack on Iraq figures into the equation.
The author of the From Cairo With Love blog wrote: "I have one question, what the hell have Bush and Co. been doing for the last few years? Four years fighting that alleged war on terror, making us live hell in the process. And our Ambassador to Iraq has just been executed today. Boy, do I feel safer now!"
Alorie Gilbert writes for CNET News.com
