Building Communities with Blogs

In the current age of technology and easy access, blogs have become not only important but an integral part of our daily Internet experience. As a fierce journalism outlet, blogs can no longer be brushed off as silly, informal, or lacking lasting power. The concept of blogs as creating communities across the Internet is important to understanding the power of blogs. 

As a member of Generation Y and daily consumer of media, I see first-hand how blogs affect my communities, both online and offline. Two of the most influential blogs in my circle of peers and colleagues are Buzzfeed and Upworthy. Both sites contain content that focus on social justice issues, however, Upworthy is filled with a bit more of this content. 

Upworthy's slogan illustrates the power of blogs that Josh Marshall of Talking Points Memo and John Tozzi in his article "Bloggers Bring in the Big Bucks" address. Blogs, whether serious, funny, or pertaining to a special interest, have the ability to increase communities. The idea of passing on information to other users and friends is a key aspect of why they are so successful.  Users are able to share things that they find important to other people, thus always creating an expanding pool of viewers. 

http://www.buzzfeed.com/

http://www.upworthy.com/

http://www.businessweek.com/stories/2007-07-13/bloggers-bring-in-the-big-bucksbusinessweek-business-news-stock-market-and-financial-advice