The results of a recent “Pew Internet & American Life Project” survey that focused on bloggers has been in the news lately. Many of my “Our Cyberplace” and “Our Cyberspace” blogs have commented on what is now known as our “Our Blogosphere.” (See Bill’s Blog #12 & #13.) What did a Bay Area newspaper have to say?

The San Francisco Chronicle headline read: “The truth about blogging! Lot’s of us do it, and it’s not political.” O.K., I agree with that statement, but I differ from the findings that most bloggers are “well-educated, gainfully employed and blog fully clothed.” Hmmmm … I won’t comment on how well educated I am (I’ve done some stupid things in my life). I am retired (and running out of $$$$), and I admit that I’m a blogging addict. But here I am at 4:25 a.m. drafting this blog, in my PJ’s and wearing my bunny-rabbit slippers. (I even go outside and pick up the morning newspaper, “clothed” like that.) I guess I don’t fit the mold and I was presumptuous with yesterday’s blog title … “We could have told them.”

For the record, let me respond to some of the questions in the study. They collected both background data as well as the reasons why you – personally – choose to blog. They summarize these reasons under headings such as: “Major Reason,” “Minor Reason,” or Not a Reason.” Here’s where I stand:

I am pround to be one of 147 million American adults who use the Internet.
Like-wise, I am proud to be one of 57 million American adults who reads blogs.
Also, I am proud to be one of 12 million American adults who keeps a blog.
Since I was a professor, I guess you could classify me as a “knowledge-based” professional. (13% nationally)
Yes, I have a college degree. (27% nationally)

My “major” reasons for blogging are:
To share practical knowledge and skills with others (34% nationally))
To influence the way other people think (27% nationally)
To network and to meet new people (16%)

My “minor” reasons for blogging are:
To express myself creatively(25% nationally) 52% said that was their “major” reason.
To document personal experiences and to share them (26%) The major reason for 50%.

“Not a reason:”
To stay in touch with friends and family (40%) I use “old fashion” e-mail for that purpose.
To make money (85% nationaly)

The complete study may be found at http://www.pewinternet.org

One sentence in the article, a quote … “Many bloggers have a certain degree of distain for journalists,” I disagree with strongly. On the contrary, I’m glad to see professional journalists joining our world of blogging. I definitely believe that blogging is a form of journalism. Nationally, only 34% agree. It’s another way in which Americans may exercise their First Amendment rights. Consider it “freedom of the press.”

On Our Radar Screen

I don’t know where this idea will get anywhere or not, but I plan to invite my fellow Argus-Courier bloggers to respond to a few of the Pew survey questions. I am interested in gathering the data about “why they blog,” summarize it and post the results in a future blog. Of course, individual responses will be confidential; just like a real journalist. Stay tuned.