In conclusion....

It cannot be ignored that there might be a less pleasant side to blogging – however at the time of writing, blogging is free and offers a platform for everything from poetry, banter, fiction, debate to simple musings on life. Some people take pleasure in narcissm; they have a platform to express it.

The Internet is moving and developing so fast that an accurate analysis can only really be based on current information. The most recent and comprehensive survey says: 

 In 2011 we are seeing bloggers updating their blogs more frequently and spending more time blogging. The type of information influencing blogging has shifted from conversations with friends, which was the primary influence in 2010, to other blogs, which for 68% of bloggers are having more of an influence in 2011.  (Technorati)

As writers we engage with the written word daily, in an age dominated by technology. On reflection it seems that in many ways blogs were ‘made’ for us as writers – if we use them in a way that develops our understanding of both our craft and our culture. They do offer the potential to do this.

However, above all else, blogs offer a way to connect, reflect, and communicate with our peers in a way that was unimaginable even ten years ago. Who knows where they might lead us in ten years time.