By Googling the question "why do people blog", I unearthed very interesting data and learned some new terms like blogosphere. It is considered an American pastime, with data suggesting that" the majority of bloggers today are from the United States (Herring et al., 2005b). Current research on blogging indicates that 8 million US citizens keep a blog (Lenhart & Fox, 2006) and 57 million US citizens report reading blogs." Most people write blogs with personal content. My next questions is why do people read blogs? Is it easier than doing your own "research" into issues or is it a place for sympathy and solace for issues that plague us? What are the uses besides the practical use of taking online classes...
So here is a blog called "why do people blog?"
http://iratesassy.wordpress.com/2013/05/28/why-do-people-blog/
One man's answer to why he blogs...why do you blog?
The short and fast answer is because of this UNM class. I attempted blogging years ago but because of time and other responsibilities it fell to the wayside. When I did blog years ago, I thought of it as means to express myself or the alter ego of myself. I didn't announce my blog to anyone and if someone found it, they didn't find it relevant because I don't remember many people leaving any comments.
ReplyDeleteI've also only blogged for class purposes. I don't actively follow any other blogs, but I've read other blogs for a variety of reasons. Sometimes when someone I know links their blog to facebook I'll take a peek at it. Other times, while looking up ideas for my classroom, I'll read blogs about ideas or concepts. I think many people blog as a way of reflection, and some people read blogs to get information or to see others' interpretations, feelings, ideas.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that you found out that a lot of people blog. For one I haven't really met anyone that blogs for pleasure so far. Just like some of our other classmates, I've began to blog only because of this specific class. It is quite interesting to me though, that people do use it as a "pastime", I think it is a useful thing to have some interaction thorough blogs, because it does provide distributed knowledge that we have learn of in this class.
ReplyDeleteI actually have a friend from high school who makes his money by blogging and writing articles for the Alibi. He blogs about food mostly, and usually does reviews of food trucks around town. I think you can get a lot of value from a blog, such as learning from other people's experiences. The best example I can think of is finding someone who has tried a recipe you want to attempt, but they thought it was a horrible mix of ingredients. Saves you time and money.
ReplyDeleteI found that people blog to share their ideas in format that is nonthreatening and open to the public. In most cases it can be done on a free host page and in the evening so it is a low cost event. Some of my favorite blogs are actually the podcast that cover history events that I did not cover in history class and can learn more about Rome History or Universal History while I complete a varity of other tasks by listening to the blog.
ReplyDeleteI think people post because it is easy, free, and accessible. I think some people just want to be heard. Even if it is only one person following. If I continue blogging I would use my BlogSpot to post my art work and get real opinions about it. Instead of my friends and families comments, because I know in the back of their minds they don't want to hurt my feelings or they do want to hurt my feelings and I can't take them or they me serious. I could create digital gallery shows with themes and goals at my own convenience. Many great uses but I fear my ego couldn't take few or no followers. ha
ReplyDeleteI also think it is pretty gratifying to have something "published". Its quick, its easy to do. its a diary of sorts; a way of being heard. Some people have such talent with their words, and images. Blogging gives them the avenue. Not everyone could possibly be published. I probably would never buy a book written by a mom of 3 in northern england, who blogs about her day to day activities and shares her knitting projects. But she captivates me about once a month or so I spend an afternoon imagining myself in cool, misty, rainy england. its an enjoyable read. and also, a way to know, as a mom, that my feelings are felt by many and is pretty universal. a sort of bonding i guess. and if you are good at it, ya get paid and it becomes a source of income. :)
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