New book details the reasons why people blog.

July 2, 2010 (New York, NY) – In 1997, there were only 23 websites labeled “blogs.” Today, there are more than 100 million of them in at least 88 different languages. Why Blog? Motivations for Blogging, to be released in North America by Neal-Schuman Publishers on August 15, 2010, explains why people blog and what makes this communication form so effective.

Sarah Pedersen, an expert on media, business, and communications, conducted three research studies focusing on the motivations behind blogging in both the U.S. and Britain. She describes the various types of blogs that have appeared across the Web in the form of diaries, letters to the editor, therapy, friendship, journalism, political activism, and a means of marketing and advertising. Pederson provides data showing the differences in use by gender and nationality.
Following her introduction defining the phenomenon and describing research on the blogosphere, in Chapter 2 Pedersen covers journal blogs, otherwise known as the “online diaries.” She discusses how a traditional form has transformed through the Internet. In Chapter 3 she delves into its use as journalism, allowing writers and others to voice their political beliefs and make their voices heard. In Chapter 4, Pedersen describes how the practice can benefit the blogger through relationships and positive feedback from readers. The next chapters cover practicalities and logistics: security concerns, turning a profit, and using blogs as tools. Two final chapters cover comparisons of the practice according to gender and nationality. Pedersen concludes the book with a discussion of the results of her research and how different forms can be more effective. She illustrates the text throughout with charts and tables comparing trends among groups.

Timely, informative and well-supported with data, Why Blog? will benefit information professionals and marketers, along with anyone looking to start or improve a blog.

Why Blog? Motivations for Blogging

ISBN 978-1-84334-583-1.
2010. 6 x 9. 152 pp.  $99.95

About the Author

Sarah Pedersen is a Reader at the Department of Communication, Marketing and Media at The Robert Gordon University. Her research focuses on several areas of Internet and media use.

About Neal-Schuman Publishers and Chandos Publishing

Founded in 1976, Neal-Schuman Publishers is based in New York City with offices in London, UK. Neal-Schuman is a leading publisher of professional and academic titles in all areas of library and information studies. Since June 2009, Neal-Schuman has also been the exclusive North American distributor for titles from the United Kingdom’s Chandos Publishing, a division of Woodhead Publishing Limited.  Chandos books are a leading, highly practical source of authoritative information for professionals and researchers worldwide.

For More Information and/or Cover Art

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