Blogging can kill you

Posted Apr 5th 2008 6:10PM by Peter Cohan

As a blogger for the last few years, the New York Times caught my attention with an article that highlighted the severe health problems that have afflicted some bloggers. Three recently had heart attacks and two of those did not survive. The heart attack victims:

Russell Shaw, a technology blogger who died a few weeks ago at 60 of a heart attack;
Tech blogger, Marc Orchant, died in December 2007 at 50 of a massive coronary; and
Om Malik, 41, another tech blogger survived a heart attack in December.

Meanwhile, Michael Arrington of TechCrunch -- another technology blog -- appears to be risking his health. The Times reports that TechCrunch has brought in millions in advertising revenue, but that Arrington has gained 30 pounds in the last three years and developed a severe sleeping disorder. It quotes Arrington as saying, "At some point, I'll have a nervous breakdown and be admitted to the hospital, or something else will happen."

The Times suggests that one reason for these health problems may be the competitive nature of blogs about technology developments and news. They are in a vicious 24-hour competition to break company news, reveal new products and expose corporate mistakes. Not being first to break a story can cost a blogger traffic and advertising dollars.

I hope this story helps to highlight the health risks of taking that competition too seriously.

Peter Cohan is President of Peter S. Cohan & Associates. He also teaches management at Babson College and edits The Cohan Letter.

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

4-05-2008 @ 6:51PM

william lindblad said...

Ever read the story of the MD who determined that stress could adverse effects on one's health?
He died of a heart attack. Even research can be dangerous.

4-05-2008 @ 7:35PM

TX CHL Instructor said...

Stress is mostly internally generated.

4-05-2008 @ 9:41PM

Shinigami said...

Its not blogging that kills people, its not health problem, its not stress. They just need to relax more.

The world will not run away from you, people. Relax and have a good time. Be happy :)
Make it late but make it good! And be happy :P

4-06-2008 @ 11:15AM

thenakedtrader said...

Perhaps more physical activity might help? All work (sitting at a computer) and no play (exercise) could make Jack more than a dull boy, it could increase his risk of obesity and heart disease, yes?