Why We Weblog?

Being new to the world of weblogging, and not having an opportunity to fully research this phenomenon, I found myself searching to understand it through my past experiences.  Part of my search was to find the answer to why people weblog.  Unfortunately, not much in my past was directly related to this new experience.

I did recall, however, reading a book some years ago titled The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell which provided a framework of sorts for me to understand weblogging.  At the time, I had dismissed the book as "pop literature" and had not bothered to treat it very seriously.

My thinking on the book has changed as a result of further consideration and research into epidemic theory, the basis of the book's thesis.  It appears that epidemic theory is very legitimate and scientifically credible.  In his book, Gladwell introduces the notion of social epidemics and the kinds of personality types who are natural "pollinators" of new ideas and trends.

And further research on the internet found a number of references to The Tipping Point, some specifically in the context of weblogging.  John Hiler wrote in the March 12, 2002 issue of the Microcontent News about "The Tipping Blog - How Weblogs Can Turn an Idea into an Epidemic".  A fellow blogger, Dave Pollard posted in his weblog, "THE TIPPING POINT, AND HOW IT WORKS WITH BLOGS"

I would bet that the people who are attracted to blogging fall into one or more of the types of people Gladwell maintains are critical to starting social epidemics.  These are the connectors, mavens, and salesmen; all three are needed for social epidemics.

What makes weblogging so interesting, is the potential it offers to facilitate, at light speed, the work of connectors, mavens, and salesmen.  However, for a true epidemic to occur, vast numbers of people would have to be "infected"...and I am not sure that is the case with weblogging; at least, not yet.

For now, I am satisfied that I have an answer to the question that I started this post with.  Can you see yourself as a part of creating a social epidemic?  What role will you play...connector, maven, or salesman.

Comments

[Dominic]

.