An Internet user study conducted by Nielsen last month revealed that 17% of people spent their Web surfing time on social networks and reading blogs. That number is close to triple what it was back in 2008.
My blog is relatively new so I don’t really have anything to gauge yet regarding it’s growth. My readership is small but steady and my subscription numbers are increasing.
As far as whether this growth will continue, I say yes. People are taking more of an active role in what’s going on in the world around them. They want to participate in some way. That can come in the form of service in their communities, service to their country or sharing their views, fears, concerns via this wonderful creation affectionately known as the blogosphere. On the other hand, maybe it's just an outlet or an escape from the stressors of day to day life.
Reading has always been therapeutic for me. Watching those words leap off the page and come to life can often help you forget about the pile of bills on the kitchen counter, the dictator disguised as your boss from work, or the mountain of paper work you've shoved to the side - promising to get to it later.
Have you noticed any changes from last year to now regarding your blog traffic, readership, etc.?
