I think bloggers and news media cooperate because bloggers have the advantage of translating news stories through different perspectives. Take the current war, for example. In any given blog, you can find out perspectives from the troops, Iraqi civilians, feminists, libertarians, lobbyists, pro-war advocates, anti-war advocates, economists, sociologists, psychologists, political pundits, political commentators, historians, and the average citizen herself. And whether or not you agree with the spin and the analysis brought to the forefront, blogging promotes dialogue and collaboration on it. In most mainstream media, a particular type of viewpoint takes centerstage, along with a type of delivery. Blogging can be as no-holds-barred or as formal as you'd like.