The different benefits of blogging to communities

According to TheStar (2008), blogging in Malaysia is among the highest in the world with about 500000 active bloggers. The main objective of blogging is to express oneself though online (Bullas, 2012). According to Lai (2011, p.51), blogs play a role as an online journal that allows continuously updated musings about any topic and play an important role in these processes.

Freedom of speech and expression is usually restricted for Malaysians especially in open political discussions, thus, most of the Malaysians blog about politics (New Straits Times, 2010). Therefore, availability of new media allows Malaysians to become interactive social activists and political actors. Whereas, In US, blogosphere equals to citizen’s online forum as they are moving to achieve a democratic society (Hughes, 2009). It is different in Iran, it is their means a place for protest and an alternative of news source as they are more reliable to it.

Some of the Malaysian political bloggers made names for themselves in this industry, for example, Lim Kit Siang, Jeff Ooi, Anwar Ibrahim, Dr Mahathir Mohamad.  These political blogs provide different perspectives and views on political issues for people as well as giving them a chance to have an open discussion. Therefore, many believe that this has contributed towards fostering democracy in Malaysia in a good way.

(Source: www.nielsen.com)

According to Nielsen (2008), the market for online shopping has increased by 40% in the past two years. Jeff (2008) said that people started online shopping for convenience, cheaper price and no local restrictions, it is all within a click. In addition, owner of the blogger does not need to pay rental fee too.


Advertiser and bloggers also act as a mutual benefit companion earning through blogs. When advertisement are promoted through their blog, blog advertisers reward bloggers with money for how many visitors visited the advertisement page, an interesting tag stated 'I served nuffnangs' will appear on the tab menu of the blog. This helps to create awareness of the brand when it appears on those famous blogs where readers will see it. Malaysia famous blogger such as cheeserland have followers who constantly get updates from reading their blogs, thats when the product can be seen by the readers. Sometimes they get sponsored for the products from the advertisers, in return, they promote it in their blogs.


Blogging enables people to share their interest, for example fashion, make up, hairstyle and baking. Readers can gain benefit from the information provided and learn many other tips given from the bloggers. Therefore, a community is created that discuss their interests and hobbies together. For example, XiaXue and BongQiuQiu from Singapore share their experience of them going plastic surgery. Kryzzzie is an example of fashion bloggers who constantly updates what is her outfit of the day.

References

Bullas, J 2012, Jeffbullas, Blogging Statistics, Facts and Figures in 2012-Infographic, viewed on 8 April 2013, < http://www.jeffbullas.com/2012/08/02/blogging-statistics-facts-and-figures-in-2012-infographic/ >

Hughes. D 2009, Blogging’s global impact and the future of Blogging, viewed on 8 April 2013,< http://technorati.com/blogging/article/day-5-twitter-global-impact-and/page-2/ >.

Jeff T. (2008), Why People Are Shopping Online, viewed on 8 April 2013, < http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-People-Are-Shopping-Online&id=2116672 >

Lai, Chih-Hui 2011, ‘A multifaceted perspective on blogs and society: examples of blogospheres in Southeast and East Asia’, Journal of International Communication,  Vol 17, Issue 1, 51-72.

New Straits Times 2010, Research: Blogging about Malaysia, viewed on 8 April 2013, < http://www.nst.com.my/channels/learning-curve/research-blogging-about-malaysia-1.35459 >

Nielsen 2008, Over 875 Millions Consumers Have Shopped Online: The Number of Internet Shoppers Up 40% in Two Years, viewed 8 April 2013, < http://my.nielsen.com/site/20080414.shtml >

The Star Online 2008, Blogging in Malaysia ranks among highest in the world, viewed on 8 April 2013, < http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/3/nation/20827588&sec=nation >.