Of course you do! Well, you must at least read them, because you're here, right now, reading... The reason I ask is that I'm supervising Tina, a postgrad at Kingston University, and she's keen to ask you about a few things. I very much hope you can help!Now... I'll hand you over to Tina:
"My name is Tina Mories and I am currently studying for an MA in Publishing. I am in the midst of researching my dissertation which is about blogs and the people who read them. I want to find out - with your help - more about the importance of having an online presence in today's fast-paced digital world.
I have a short online survey and I am very interested in hearing from you, whether you are a blogger or someone who reads blogs.
Some of the things I'm looking into are: who reads blogs and why, why writers blog, and whether the platform is an entirely positive method to publicise your career. Could it have any counter-effects? Maybe it distracts writers from the business of book writing?"
If you can spare a moment, please fill in Tina's survey here. It doesn't take long and you'll be helping to shape a very interesting piece of academic work.
Many thanks,
Claire Fogg (Publisher)
Scott Foley on July 27, 2010
Very topical! I started my blog a couple of months ago and have been pondering much the same question. In one way it's to promote my fantasy novel, but in another way I find it therapeutic, airing my thoughts on the creative process, where inspiration comes from, handling writers block, world building and so on. So I am keen to hear from other unpublished authors to see how they approach their work.
Will definitely complete Tina's survey!
Cressida Downing on July 27, 2010
Done! Good luck Tina!
Cressida
Jayne on July 29, 2010
Hello Tina (and Claire!)
What an interesting dissertation topic! I have been blogging for three years now, and find it is an excellent way to purge thoughts, connect with other writers, and practice finding a writing ‘voice’. I shall head over to your survey but, for discussion here, I read blogs as I am inherently interested in other people. I prefer the term ‘curious’ to ‘nosy’ though! I didn’t originally get into blogging to create a ‘platform’ although self-promotion in today’s market is definitely a good idea. As for ‘counter-effects’ – I can’t think of any! Of course blogging takes time, but there is a wonderful supportive community out there filled with aspiring authors, impassioned illustrators, ambitious artists, and crafty creatives – well worth finding.
Mavis Smyth on July 29, 2010
There you go Tina ... good luck.
M
Tea Maljkovic on July 29, 2010
Done! Though I must admit I haven't posted much, not even sure if it's any good... but love to help! Good luck!