Blogs as the current phenomenon

A blog is a form of medium for a person or sometimes a few people, to share about their personal lives and even express their opinions on current issues or particular topics that the person feels like writing about (Problogger.net, 2005).

According to Technorati (2009), the size of the blogosphere has been increasing throughout the years as records tallied since 2002 shown there are about 133 million blogs worldwide.

Source: Technorati.com

Majority of the bloggers as seen from the image above (Technorati.com, 2010) are from the United States which consists of 49 percent. Whereas across Asia Pacific, the percentage is lower. Most bloggers in the US and Europe blog about their personal musings and there is also a high percentage of them whom blog about politics, technology and busineess. However in Asia, most bloggers which consist of youths say that blogging is a mean of communication for them to keep up and share their lives with friends and family (PRNewswire.com, n.d).

Information from blogs are useful as prevalent blogs in the US such as technology blogs keeps the consumers and potential buyers updated about the new features of a product. Customers are also able to compare and contrast products from different brands from product reviews and articles which are provided by the blogs. These information is useful as it helps consumers to be more aware of the product, therefore helping them in their purchasing process for the ones that suits their needs.

Politics wise, Malaysians has 20 percent of interest compared to the rest of Asia which consists only 14 percent (PRNewswire.com, n.d). Some politicians in Malaysia have their on blogs such as Malaysia's 6th Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who blogs at 1Malaysia.com.my. The citizens of Malaysia will be able to keep up with the latest activities the prime minister attended and also his answer to some questions posted by the people. Political blogs in Malaysia also benefits the citizens as it serves as a tool of freedom of speech to highlight on issues and concerns faced by the people so that the government can take notice and resolve the problem.

References

1. PRNewswire n.d , Blogging Phenomenon Sweeps Asia, viewed 28 April 2011, <http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/blogging-phenomenon-sweeps-asia-56531722.html>. 

2.  Press Microsoft Malaysia 2006, Women Rule in Malaysian Blogosphere, viewed 28 April 2011, <http://www.microsoft.com/malaysia/press/archive2006/linkpage4337.mspx>.

3. Rowse, D 2005, What is a Blog?, viewed: 28 April 2011, <http://www.problogger.net/archives/2005/02/05/what-is-a-blog/>.

4. Sobel, J 2010, State of the Blogosphere 2010 Introduction, viewed 28 April 2011, <http://technorati.com/blogging/article/state-of-the-blogosphere-2010-introduction/>.

5. Winn, P 2009, State of the Blogosphere: Introduction, viewed 28 April 2011, <http://technorati.com/blogging/article/state-of-the-blogosphere-introduction/>.