Bill Thompson is a regular commentator on the BBC World Service programme Go Digital.

BBC: Screenshot of AOL.com

However, Bill Thompson, a technology journalist, said the move to citizen journalism didn't necessarily spell the end of the professional.

BBC: The rise of Iran's citizen journalists

Even Bill Thompson, a former city comptroller whose 2009 Democratic run for mayor was noted for its lack of fire, has demonstrated a limited willingness to get personal, displaying a flash of anger at a public-safety forum as he discussed his fears about his stepson's interaction with police officers.

WSJ: Politicians Get Personal in This Year's New York Mayoral Race

As a result it is frighteningly easy to pretend to be someone else, and although it would be possible to work out that a posting signed "bill thompson" was not really from me, it could cause problems at work or in a relationship.

BBC: Microsoft wants to change passwords for something better

Bill Thompson said Wednesday he would create a form of merit pay for some New York City teachers if elected mayor, giving the city's best teachers incentives to work in struggling schools.

WSJ: Thompson Proposes Plan for Teacher Merit Wages

Can you imagine a general manager such as Ted Thompson or Bill Belichick trading these picks for any player?

FORBES: Carson Palmer Trade Shows a Distinct Hue

Two heavyweights in the race for mayor, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and former Comptroller Bill Thompson, are having their first major campaign clash over what seems like a neighborhood issue: the construction of a garbage-transfer station on the Upper East Side.

WSJ: Thompson, Quinn Recycle Trash Fight

Thompson, a star at Providence and a backup in the NBA to the great Bill Russell of the Boston Celtics before turning to coaching, had guided the Hoyas to a 71-70 victory over the Orange at the Kodak Classic in nearby Rochester, N.

WSJ: Hoyas set for last Big East visit to Carrier Dome