Blogging is not the same as reporting (news flash, right?). In a blog, you can vent spleen, gaze at your navel and, most grievous of all, spread rumors. I’ve engaged in all of the above, and have the nasty comments to prove it. But here’s a tossed-off remark that, apparently, was 100 percent wrong: In my June 19 post about the National Theatre’s hi-def broadcasts of Phèdre (starring Helen Mirren), I blogged that I heard from someone that the Metropolitan Opera’s beloved, live hi-def broadcasts cost more money to produce than they make. Not true, I am told by the Met’s press office. “The Metropolitan Opera’s Emmy and Peabody Award-winning Live in HD series sold more than 1.7 million tickets during the 2008-09 season,” a spokesperson e-mails. “The series is seen in 36 countries around the world. Through a combination of HD ticket sales, sponsorship and media distribution fees, the Live in HD series more than covered its costs during the 2008-09 season (the third year of the series). The series returns for its fourth season in 2009-10 with nine transmissions in 38 countries, beginning October 10 with Tosca starring Karita Mattila and ending with Armida starring Renée Fleming on May 1. Tickets will go on sale in September.” I stand corrected and eagerly await the Met’s new season, whether in the opera house or at the movies.