How To Split An Atom - Latest Comments in The Five Roles Of Bloggers

Re: The Five Roles Of Bloggers

Maggy Young — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 14:27:54 -0000

The newspaper world makes a distinction between journalists & reporters. Bloggers more frequently combine both functions as well as the others above.
Bloggers originated as independent writers, in contrast to journalists & reporters who have to write on whatever subject their production instructs them & who have to toe the party line with their viewpoints & commentary. As bigger blogs recruit more writers this distinction becomes less valid, but independent bloggers are ultimately topical writers who having their own means of production & distribution, do not need to be recruited by & have the support of 'the company'. All the categories above are answerable to someone else, are a cog in the wheel, the blogger has his own wheel. The blogger is not subservient.

Re: The Five Roles Of Bloggers

Mark Dykeman — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 10:25:15 -0000

Thanks Steve!

Re: The Five Roles Of Bloggers

sbspalding — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 09:07:56 -0000

You raise a good point though. There are various other types and subtypes of bloggers out there. I think the structure I set out relates most aptly to semi-professional and professional bloggers.

I took a look at your blog, interesting stuff!

Re: The Five Roles Of Bloggers

Mark Dykeman — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 08:12:14 -0000

Great post and summary of ideas about blogging! I recently wrote a post on my own blog called "Why The Heck Would Anyone Want To Blog?" where I had proposed three very generic types of bloggers.

In my own case, I'd like to see my blog as the online version of a syndicated column. However, I think you've laid out your five types very effectively.

Re: The Five Roles Of Bloggers

Acne — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 20:01:20 -0000

I tend to think of bloggers as journalist but in regards to their respective niche. A lot of bloggers have high writing skills and sure they are great journalists. But business bloggers can be called journalists aswell. I tend to think that those bloggers who just fill large quantities of information for SERP rankings, as not jounralists. But we all have differences in opinion. And your 5 points have merit, so they could well be true.

Andy