But anonymous writers hold a long and storied reputation in the history of American public debate. Myriad pamphlets and the first American newspapers featured satirical essays ? on the front page ? written by authors using pen names.

Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay, the three authors of the Federalist Papers, a national treasure outlining the reasons voters should ratify the U.S. Constitution, wrote under the pseudonym “Publius.”

While a pain for O?Malley, the blog ? and myriad other ones out there analyzing politics and politicians in Maryland and across the country ? aids average citizens and journalists, who are paid to check facts. These blogs sometimes even beat journalists to a story.

Competition for news is good for the public. And blogs only make believers of those who want to believe. Besides, the Internet ? which can speed the spreading of errors quickly ? also can right wrongs quickly.

OMalleyWatch is a good example. Some stories are right ? and first. Those include a post about a judge finding O?Malley fired Transportation Department employee Gregory Maddalone for political reasons and one about scheduled events O?Malley missed while on a fishing trip with his son. Newspapers picked up and followed the stories, spreading the word to more people.

Other OMalleyWatch stories are wrong or yet to be proven, like the “Governor?s secret plan to introduce a 9 CENT PER GALLON GAS TAX INCREASE in a special session.” O?Malley spokesman Steve Kearney said of the plan, “It?s so secret, I don?t know about it.” Again, the posting generated discussion and greater public understanding.

So, OMalleyWatch is nothing to fear. It?s something to ingest and enjoy, like all other media, with a critical eye.