@Secret Agent Mama: Thanks! Love the name, BTW! I think we forget how far we’ve come in such a short time because everything is moving so stinking fast.

@Nou: I know what you mean. 6 months ago I didn’t know much more than the word itself. It certainly has a way of catching on quickly. Eric.

Awesome article, I saw the link from twitter. The article made perfect sense. Before a few months ago I had no idea what blogging was all about. Forwarding to now I am starting one up and will be keeping at it

Nou.

Great article. Great site. I came here via Writer Dad’s blog.

I LOVE this line! It gave me a *chuckle*. I truly enjoy hearing these kinds of stories because it just punctuates what I already know, which is that blogging is the real deal.

@Marc: That’s awesome, Marc! It certainly is easy to think that way, though. When you in it, you feel like it’s everywhere. But step outside our little bubble and you realize that most people know no more that a rough definition of the word blog.

@Mark: “Especially if countries continue to push public-access broadband, we’ll see this jump tremendously.”

That’s a great point!

I see what you’re saying about the majority still being on lookers, but I do feel that there will be a shift that will take place that will cause this all to change rapidly. Just like email was considered a ‘business person’s’ tool and the idea of a grandma using it seemed to be a stretched. But we’ll see what happens.

@Lori: The media point blogging on the map, but as you point out, painted the wrong picture for the public. I guess blogs about hobbies or niches just isn’t news worthy.

@Jun: Good to see you at the Blueprint!

“I think it’s more a lack of knowledge towards blogging and laziness that prevents them from taking that step.”

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

@Katy: That’s what it’s all about! Not only making a name for yourself and gaining respect from the community, but sticking with it long enough to outlast the ‘15 minute bloggers’. Eric.

I agree blogging is not mainstream, but those who jumped in often jump right back out in less than a year. I am working on not being one of them. So I am looking forward to great tips from you to get my blog out of the sidelines.

Thanks for this site.

It is very true, undergraduates are afraid of blogging because of privacy. However, take a look at all of their Facebook pics where they’re half naked.

I think it’s more a lack of knowledge towards blogging and laziness that prevents them from taking that step.

I think blogging will be viewed as verbal upchucking of the few instead of a sharing process as long as we see it through the eyes of old-school media, entertainment, and advertising. Fortunately, Seth Godin’s Tribe concept shows how we can bypass all that to get the message out. Everyone has an interest, need, or hobby — and a blog author can help tap into or create a tribe or community with answers and insight:

*First-time moms need product or service reviews
*Old car restorers could use reviews on vintage car sellers
*DIY jewelry makers want to know the best wholesale sources
*People wanting to save money and cook at home seek recipes & ideas
*Avid online readers need trusted e-book reviewers to sift through what’s available

The list can go on and is as varied as our humanity. Yes, blogging can tap this. Authenticity, trust, and value will be the keys to success.

The one thing I disagree with you is about the intimacy. And, it’s less about those who choose to be the writers- those of us who are writers can handle stepping outside our comfort zone and being visible in public.

It’s the public commentary. The vast majority of people who access blogs will be, as they are now, lurkers. And so it will take a real change in mindset to shift folks from the “broadcast” generations, where we were used to just receiving from broadcast media, print, radio, and TV, to “interactive.”

You could actually term this a return to the town hall meeting format, or the public house, where everyone is invited to join in the discussion. But, it’s going to take a mindset shift for the majority of the population- the mainstream is going to learn that it’s okay to participate. But, how quickly or slowly that will shift, I have no idea.

Indeed until reading your post I would say that “if you don’t have a blog, you’re way behind”. Now I’m not so sure. Come to think of it I guess I’ve always been ahead of the curve and the average Internet user is yet to catch up as you say.

Your post has just inspired me to promote blogging to some friends and family