Sunday, September 2, 2012

Welcome to the Blogosphere!


The blogosphere is another development that came with the internet, bringing together likeminded people.  It allows these people to discuss debate and express their opinions about topics that matter to them.  The possibilities are endless, bloggers talk about anything and everything leaving all topics open for discussion. 
Although the influence of blogging is often debated it increases public awareness and the ability to think critically about political and cultural topics.  Blogging may be thought of as a form of journalism providing many viewpoints and experiences but also serving as a databank. (Gill, 2004) 

Blogging has gained a significant involvement in politics with many politicians using blogs. Many bloggers also voice their opinions on global matters such as wars and global warming.  They have become a key factor in culture allowing for individuals to discuss aspects such as food, fashion, art, music and many more. (Gill, 2004)  In fashion, designers and celebrities are now not the only ones the masses look to for advice.  Bloggers such as Elin Kling and HedvigOpshaug have become influential across the fashion scene even being photographed and mentioned in major magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar.

So while blogging may keep mainstream media honest how influential will it become? It is difficult to gauge but blogging has become an important part of the internet as it has replaced a two way communication with communication among the masses. (Gill, 2004) It allows people to gain a broadened, clear and challenged perspective on topics but also to voice their own opinions.  I believe for this reason blogging will only continue to grow.

References:
Gill, K., 2004, ‘How can we measure the influence of the blogosphere?’, University of Washington, Seattle,USA.

6 comments:

  1. Good stuff...
    I too believe blogging will only continue to grow and his ultimately a very important aspect of a successful and democratic public sphere. The ease at which a blog can be created and the massive potential it has for reaching an audience would probably be considered the reason for the huge increase in their popularity. In the case of journalists with blogs, they allow can be seen as a way to get a more personal opinion across regardless of any agendas or bias' enforced by the newspaper itself.

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  2. Really good post! I liked how you showed a really good example with blogging other than just politics when you spoke how blogging has become so influential in fashion as well. Interesting pictures as well, I liked the tree picture, and really helpful hyperlinks.
    I think blogging is the way of the future, just like you mentioned. I never really thought too much about it but after doing this subject and reading posts like this one I'm definitely starting to come around.
    Good work!

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  3. Great blog. I love how you used different example of who uses blogs, ie. polititians, designers, stylists, everyday people and who could forget uni students completing assignments! Good use of the graphics they tie in nice and well with your blog. I also belive blogging is a way to the future it is so easy and accessable for everyone to use, including beginners. Well done

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  4. Great post! You used a good range of academic sources that tied in well with you theme. Really good use of visuals as well. I definitely agree blogging is the way of the future and has the ability to challenge perspectives. Well done.

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  5. Excellent post! Your entire page is very aesthetically pleasing and i enjoyed the pictures used in this weeks blog. Your writing style is very smooth and makes me want to keep reading. Your examples tied in very well. Great work!

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  6. This is a great post. You've done a good job of defining what a blog is and its applications in todays global world. I think that blogging has a means to be a legitimate form of journalism and I like how you've highlighted blogging's increased influence and potential in global media. Well done.

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