Future Trends

Some speculate that blogging will peak in 2007. In the majority of the English speaking world, computer ownership has reached saturation point. However, the biggest growth area for technology is Asia, so such predictions might prove inaccurate as that market develops.

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 remain ‘free’ only to those who host advertising; clearly there is the potential for ‘someone’ to start generating a vast income from blogging due to the sheer numbers involved. Last week, Google purchased the online advertising firm Doubleclick for $3.1 billion. What they will do with this acquisition remains to be seen.

Opinions are divided about blogging in many arenas, however, as Patroclus explains: "For all the antipathy between professional journalists and amateur bloggers, blogging is really only a format, and both sides are free to make use of it as they see fit."