Yes, I do think she really meant that blogging can leave less time for productive writing for professional authors, and as a fan and a reader I actually agree. I love the fact that many authors (including Hobb) try to communicate with their audiences through email and newsgroups and blogs, but if/when their time is limited, I would prefer them to use that time for writing those brilliant books. :)

I just think people (in general) take her rants too seriously. Obviously she means the things she says, but those rants shouldn't be taken out of the context, which is the Mad Woman at the attic. They way I see it is that she's writing "in character" even though she's expressing her own opinions (but maybe that's just me). I do wonder whether the general response would have been different if she had used a regular blog to express her views... It's not uncommon that writers are against fanfiction, but I can't remember anyone being criticized so heavily for that opinion as she has been.