Tatyana Dumova and Richard Fiordo, Hershey, PA, IGI Global/Information Science Reference, 2012, 285 pp, n.p. (hard cover), ISBN 978-1-60960-744-9
As one of the best-known examples of social-media platforms, blogging has become a global phenomenon. It has allowed publishing to move into the hands of the masses in a way that has never occurred before. Bloggers create and contribute to blogs for a range of reasons. This collection of research writings from international scholars examines blogging from a variety of perspectives, ranging from empirical studies to discussions of philosophical issues related to blogging and blogs. The book provides a cross-disciplinary analysis of blogging practices, looking at the social, political and cultural patterns and trends pertaining to blogs, and presents current studies and scholarly thoughts on blogging.
It is divided into three sections, each focusing on a major area of interest. Section 1 looks at political, cultural, legal and ethical issues surrounding blogging. Section 2 describes case studies that highlight particular issues. Section 3 provides an in-depth analysis of blogging. Each section consists of a series of chapters of uniform format: abstract, background, literature review, body, conclusion, future directions, references, key terms and definitions. It is an easy-to-follow format. There are many references provided for following up particular issues.
The work as a whole is very readable and engaging, and the content proves to be both comprehensive and interesting. The reader will likely learn many new concepts and definitions; for example, the terms ‘blogmongering’, ‘moblog’, ‘blogazine’ and ‘online emotional rubberneckers’ were new to this reviewer. There are chapters on Chinese blogging, a study of blogging as a means of grieving, and the study of citizen media political conflict in Thailand. There are studies as diverse as an analysis of US political blogs, reflections on women's sport in blogs, and blogging and religious extremism. While content is international, focusing on the Americas, Europe, the Arab world, China and Thailand, Australia appears not to be represented. Presumably the blogosphere is alive and well in Australia, so the reasons for this omission are unclear.
After reading this book, blogs will never look the same again. Blogging is a worldwide occurrence and blogs are used for a variety of reasons, both significant points emphasised throughout. This volume is recommended to anyone with an interest in the impact of social media and blogging, whether bloggers themselves or not.
© 2013, Catherine Gilbert