blogging as the new form of media

Research shows that reading and writing blogs online is rapidly increasing in popularity and thus is known as the new form of media. Seeing that media refers to the different instruments used to circulate news (as discussed in our critical media meeting in June), blogs become the popular medium for people to get their news. Traditional newspapers are still failing to recognize blogs as competition and as a result of this I believe they will slowly become less prevalent and less prestigious. Blogging gives people a platform to opinionate and rant their views and because blogging requires little accuracy and balance, it becomes easily accessible. Jody Raynsford says that “Web logging, or blogging, is the new kid on the media block, complete with its own, unique lexicon”. The person blogging becomes known as the blogger, the blogger follows other bloggers and in a sense they become part of a blogging community. Blogging keeps one informed about events and updated posts. It is extremely personalized and because one is interested in what other bloggers have to say about a particular aspect, it opens up minds and broadens opinions. Blogging can also provide information in a raw and exciting form which is what the media frequently tries to achieve. Another attraction of the blog phenomenon is the fact that people can comment and voice their opinion on other bloggers’ posts. In this way, ideas and attitudes are explored and media becomes broad and unlimited. Blogging also acts as an advertising mechanism as they lead people to other trusted and valued websites. They then not only provide companies with prospective clients but also the bloggers themselves with good and trustworthy links. In this sense blogging filters the news in a sense. Blogging, in other words, has not only become a new form of media but also has taken on a journalistic approach.