What makes a successful blog?

Having viewed and studied a diversity of blogs as part of my research, it appears to me that most blogs have similiar technical features and characteristics. What seems to distinguish blogs in the blogosphere from one another is the purpose of each particular blog. It could be argued that most blogs are created by an individual or a group of individuals for a certain reason. It is the reason for a blog’s creation that defines it as most blogs focus upon differing objectives writing about subjects that invite feedback from their readers. Though ‘finding your audience’ through a designated topic may lead to the success of a blog, blogs that allow for honest and open discussion between ‘blogger’ and their readers help to create a sense of community and trust. The essence of a blog evloves around the collaborative process that occurs through feedback via comments about a blog’s posts in terms of topic discussion or constructive suggestions or feedback e.g. on how the blog author may improve their blog. If a particular blog obtains a large following then its audience may also grow through it being connected or linked to other blogs via e.g. RSS Feeds thus subsequently accommodating for the expansion of the ‘blogosphere.’ Having searched ‘the Web’ under the phrase “what makes a successful blog?” there are certainly several blogs that provide tips and pointers to aspiring would-be bloggers about this subject area e.g. as can be read on Dave Taylor’s The Intuitive Life Business Blog. I believe that there is no overall framework or ‘list of rules/guidelines’ that if followed can ensure a blog’s success. It is primarily the blog creators personality that first and foremost can engender the success of their blog. It is the notion of personality, in conjunction with the content/ purpose or theme(s) of the blog that can in turn attract readership. Also of great importance is the continued interaction between the creator of the blog and their audience. In doing so, the principles of oppenness, communication, timely feedback , exchange of ideas and trust may help to sustain continued readership of a blog.

Listed below are some examples of successful blogs. They all have a unique focus and purpose covering divergent subject areas:

• Mary Jo Foley’s: All about Microsoft (Covers up-to-date information about Microsoft’s products, key personnel and policies).
• Joystiq (Addresses all aspects of dedicated gaming hardware and software).
• Engadget (Provides up-to-date information on consumer electronics, personal technology etc.).
• autoblog (Covers everything to do with automobiles).
• ParentDish (Focuses upon all issues about parenting).

Further information as well as interviews with the creators/contributors to the above blogs can be found in the book “Blogging Heroes: Interviews with 30 of the World’s Top Bloggers” by Michael A. Banks.