More Restrictions for the Beijing Olympics: No Blogging!

Well, maybe not a total ban, but some ridiculous regulations that come pretty close:

Now it appears that the IOC has placed limits on blogging by athletes. The IOC has acknowledged that "blogging is 'legitimate form of personal expression,'." Nice of them to say so; most were unsure about that. Of course the IOC has placed restrictions. The blogs are to be diaries or journal with no interviews of fellow athletes or writing about them. And oh yes, copyright is in play as "Bloggers are prevented from posting audio clips or videos of 'any Olympic events, including sporting action, opening, closing and medal ceremonies or other activities which occur within any zone which requires an Olympic identity and accreditation card [or ticket] for entry.'"

Blogs cannot use other athletes' photos, be for commercial gain, and no advertising is allowed while Olympics content is on screen. The best part as reported by the AP "Domain names for blogs should not include any word similar to "Olympic" or "Olympics." Bloggers are, however, urged to link their blogs to official Olympic Web sites."

In short, please write a dry, personal journal with none of the pictures, thoughts, and discussions you might have in daily life while being thrilled to be at the Olympics.