Current phenomenon and benefits to the community

Current Phenomenon

Blogging has been very common lately due to globalization. Statistics show that blogs will be more important in the coming years. (BlogWorld 2010)

The size of bloggers has increased. Technorati's report supported this statement by saying that the State of Blogosphere 2009 has been strong due to the ever increase of blogging by bloggers.(McLean 2009) Another argument suggested that the number of active bloggers still remains the same to 2008 but the level of commitment diverge broadly.(Sussman 2009) Local newspaper in Malaysia reported that over 500,000 numbers of active bloggers, which is considered one of the highest in the world. (The Star Online 2008)

Surveys show that types of bloggers are consisting of hobbyists (72% in both greens), part-timers (15% in yellow), self-employed (9% in red) and pros (4% in orange). (McLean 2009, pp 1-3)

Figure 1.1 Types of bloggers

Source: Sussman 2009, ‘Day 4: Blogging Revenues, Brands and Blogs’.

Based on Technorati's report, majority of bloggers spend 1-3 hours on blogging and updating 2 to 3 times each week. Technorati Authority concluded that average posts per day for majority bloggers are 1 or fewer. (Sussman 2009)

Figure 1.2 Average times spend on blogging every week.

Figure 1.3 Amount of times updating blog

Research shows that personal musings are the most common among bloggers generally. (Sussman 2009) Writing blog based on personal thought brings more flexibility and convenience for most bloggers.

Figure 1.4 Topics of blog

Common topic and its benefits to the Malaysian community

In Malaysia, political issue is the most common topic. Blogs benefits the Malaysian community by provide useful information about the latest political issues to all Malaysians. A University Malaya spokesperson argued that information from blogs has the power to change the thinking of people in Malaysia politics due to many reachable Internet users. (The Star Online 2008)

Reference list

BlogWorld 2010, ‘Important Blogging Statistics’, viewed 7^th April 2010,

http://www.blogworldexpo.com/general-information/important-statistics

McLean J. 2009, ‘State of the Blogsphere 2009 Introduction’, Technorati, pp.1-3, viewed 6^th April 2010,

http://technorati.com/blogging/article/state-of-the-blogosphere-2009-introduction/

Sussman M. 2009, ‘Day 2: The What and Why of Blogging’, Technorati, pp.1-2, viewed 6^th April 2010,

http://technorati.com/blogging/article/day-2-the-what-and-why2/

Sussman M. 2009, ‘Day 3: The How of Blogging: SOTB 2009’, Technorati, pp.1-2, viewed 6^th April 2010,

http://technorati.com/blogging/article/day-3-the-how-of-blogging1/

Sussman M. 2009, ‘Day 4: Blogging Revenues, Brands and Blogs’, Technorati, pp.1-2, viewed 6^th April 2010,

http://technorati.com/blogging/article/day-4-blogging-revenues-brands-and/

The Star Online 2008, ‘Blogging in Malaysia ranks among highest in the world’, viewed 7^th April 2010,

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/3/nation/20827588&sec=nation