Blogosphere

The blogosphere grows and new members stake their place on the frontier, issues of access and attention become more important. Tools like Blogger and Movable Type have reduced barriers to online participation and have also removed the authority. Weblogs destroy the intrinsic value of publishing because they are a platform for the unlimited reproduction and distribution of the written word, for a low and fixed cost. No barriers to entry, no limits on supply, no economies of scale.

Writing on a blog is more cost efficient than printing. The low cost appeal of instant publishing promotes a democratic feeling that permeates the blogosphere, when one considers global internet access and usage, it’s clear that the community represents a relativity small number of global elites who have the luxury of time, talent and expendable wealth.

There are no formal mechanisms barring entry into the blogosphere, the mere luxury of internet access remains out of reach for the vast majority of global citizens. Many blogging services are free but the substantial amount of capital and operating costs needed to simply access the internet are obstacles to many in the world. Global patterns of information technology usage show that developing countries lag behind developed countries in terms of access and sophistication of use.