mind over matter

In 2008, the size of blogging community continued to blossom with a total of 130 million blogs recorded since 2002. Surprisingly however, the popularity of blogging appears to be slowing down as findings reveal an average of 900,000 entries were posted daily in 2008 compared to 1.5 million entries in 2007.

While blogging continue to gain credibility and becoming more prevalent in every community, majority of blogger (72%) consider themselves as "hobbyists" driven by personal fulfillment rather than financial gain. In fact, many people find blogging as their own personal diary to scribble down thoughts and personal affairs.

Alternatively, blogging still plays a major role in the business and political context. In Malaysia, blogging is still a popular choice for social, political and financial gain. While many continue to blog for personal fulfillment, some businesses ranging from F&B to fashion boutique too utilize the idea of blogging to reach out to the community which benefits both ways. In fact, it has become a new medium for people to share their interest, ideas or critiques. Similarly, politician too uses blogging as a tool to engage the community and to voice out their deprived freedom of speech. Not to mention, some seek for controversial content as a form of entertainment and social needs.


References

• 2009 Technorati State of Blogosphere Report, viewed on 16 November 2009, http://www.sifry.com/alerts/archives/000493.html
• Day 1, Who are the bloggers?, Techorati, viewed on 16 November 2009, http://technorati.com/blogging/article/day-1-who-are-the-bloggers1/
• 2008 Technorati State of Blogosphere, viewed on 16 November 2009, http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/state_of_the_blogosphere_2008.php