While reading the articles listed there appeared to be a general theme of influence among those that read and write blogs. In the article, “Wal-Mart Tastemakers Write Unfiltered Blog” by Michael Barbaro, we are shown how Wal-Mart had encouraged its buyers to critique its products they carried such as Microsoft Vista and other electronic products even going so far as having employees develop and recruit the buyer-bloggers. (Barbaro, p.2) This was unique in the sense that those blogging had influence in what electronics were carried in the store as well as what was being bought. The idea that one can speak frankly about a product that they loved and more so about products that they disliked was refreshing.
Other articles such as, “How can we measure the influence of the blogosphere?” by Kathy E. Gill speaks about “the influence of the blogosphere on public opinion and mass media.” (Gill, p.1) Ms. Gill speaks more on political blogging and its influence such as with the incident regarding Senator Trent Lott and his comments when speaking at Strom Thurmond’s 100th birthday. His comments were inappropriate, however the comments received little attention from news media, until two bloggers did their own research. The momentum from the blogging brought the comments to the forefront and kept the story alive. If not for the blogging Mr. Lott may still be here. Blogging influence in the article is also measured mathematically through websites such as Blogosphere, BlogRunner, BlogStreet, and Technorati, which shows the most influential blogs.
Aside from blogging about products and politics, blogging has become popular among celebrity gossip. Author Melissa Gerry speaks about this new phenomenon in her article, “Celebrity Blogs: The Impact of New Media.” Individuals once received their gossip from television programs such as Access Hollywood, newspapers and magazines. Now individuals can receive gossip from blogs written by Perez Hilton and Trent Vanegas. This new way of receiving gossip is entertaining and appealing because it is cheap and very quick to spread the word. What Ms. Gerry also notes is the objectivity of those reporting gossip through blogs. These bloggers never meet or speak to those they write about and are less influenced because of that fact. Aside from this, the information provided is accurate for some bloggers such as Defamer.com.
“The Power and Politics of Blogs” by Henry Farrell and Daniel W. Drezner speaks about the true influence of blogging. The authors state that bloggers do not have any influence compared to other political groups due to not having any “central organization to blogosphere.” (Farrell and Drezner, p. 2) The authors also state that blogging is time consuming and is often done for love and not money. Farrel and Drezner however state that blogging is used more readily as source of information for journalist. The authors state that although “blog exposure was limited to 7% of the general population, over 83% of journalists had used blogs, and 43% of journalists used them at least every week.” (Farrell and Drezner, p. 28)
The last article, “Brooklyn Blog Helps Lead to Drug Raid” by author Michael Wilson speaks about the influence of blogging to crime stopping. The article illustrates how a neighborhood blog, BayRidgeTalk.com was able to help police arrest drug dealers that lived in the neighborhood. The article shows the blog’s influence on the neighborhood and more importantly how it empowered the neighborhood residents to make better strides in the community.
1 comment:
The most important part to me about the reporting of drugs in Brooklyn article. Residents can report without exposing themselves in without revealing their adentity. This makes them feel secure and encourage other to report any abuse.
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