Blogging for Dollars: Evolution & Implications

Hawkins, Lauren

Publication

Blogging for Dollars: Evolution & Implications

Hawkins, Lauren

Date

2016

Additional date(s)

2016-05-19

Abstract

This study explores the changes within the blogosphere from its inception and into the future, focusing primarily on the implications of these changes for pro-bloggers within the space. The thesis researches the viability of the sphere for entrepreneurs going forward and, if viable, by what management strategies. Interviews with a broad range of bloggers were conducted in order to determine recent and expected changes for the space, strategies for managing those changes, and an overall analysis of viability. The research resulted in 5 major recent changes within the blogosphere regarding definition, the level of professionalism, the effect of mobile technology, revenue drivers, and social media. In addition, the blogosphere is expected to continue well into the future, albeit with different formats. Overall, despite its evolution, the space is also still considered viable if the pro-blogger is willing to put in the amount of effort required to make it so. Implications for those already within the space and those seeking to enter it are also discussed.