We know that HR people Google potential employees. One story that I heard was that a person applying for a job at a company included a link to their web site to demonstrate that they had web programming and design experience. They didn't mention that it was a soft-core nude modeling web site, but I digress (by the way, this person got the job -- and I'm sure a few strange looks during the interview).

So what could a HR person learn from a potential employee's blog? I'd say it shows insight into their personality, the way they think, and their creativity. It demonstrates their ability to express themselves (the anti-group thinker! Oh, no!) and even gives insight into their writing skills. It shows that, as crude as some blog publishing systems are, they have a basic understanding of technology.

You can also learn whether or not an employee is the type of person that has the potential to suggest new ideas -- an outside perspective, if you will. Heck, some companies pay top dollar for that! Companies that stay ahead do so because of innovation. So let me ask you this -- wouldn't you prefer to have your company filled with those type of people?