Row, row, row your blog
A recent entry by Tom Murphy of the Murphy’s Law blog called to my attention an article in The Economist about blogging going mainstream. Before I even clicked through to the article, my mind went immediately to my own use of blogs on an everyday level, and I tried to consider if they’re even part of the “mainstream” in my own life. (Please note that while my inspiration does not directly align with Tom’s entry or the article in The Economist, both are worth a few minutes of your time.)Right now, I really look to blogs for quick information related directly to my work. I check in on various journalists within the industries pertaining to my clients’ products, see what they’re writing about, get a feel for tonality, etc. Because of the niche audiences, I feel like the authors are able to take a more personalized tone with their readers than, say, a general daily news blogger. Their audience speaks a certain language and follows the same products and “movers-and-shakers” within the industry, and these common interests and traits lend themselves more an air of intimacy, even when opinions differ.However, when I want to go in depth on a topic, I rarely start with one of these intimate blogs; rather, I begin my research directly within a printed or virtual magazine, newspaper, topically dedicated website or book. They usually feel less personal in their tone, but for some reason I find them more useful when I’m new to a particular subject or product.I’d like your insight on the matter. Where do you turn to start your learning process? Do you find that the blogs you’ve come across to be roadblocks (because the language, tonality, and lack of basic information leave you at an impasse) or bridges (because the tone and dialogue format of a blog helps you to feel more engaged with the subject at hand?) Are blogs in your mainstream?
Tags: blogs, mainstream media, Murphy's Law blog, The Economist