Future Trends.

 In the English speaking west computer ownership is nearly saturated and whilst several years ago it was thought that one of the biggest growth areas for technology was Asia no one quite predicted, the rise and rise of mobile technologies from Android to the iPad. Even in a saturated market, technology is developing new means of online communication. Whilst there may have been a slight shifts in blogging patterns as Twitter became popular, new trends are much more about the future integration of social media platforms and a more streamlined online presence.

One area for consideration as blogging expands is whether it will remain free. Blogspot (owned by google) already have a system in place for generating income through advertising. Whilst some embrace this, many refuse. There is speculation that blogs might well eventually become ‘free’ only for those who accept the advertising; clearly increasing numbers of people are able to generating income from blogging. And, it emerged last week that Google now makes more money from advertising than traditional print media, so this looks set to continue for those bloggers who are happy to recieve ad revenue.

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.