It can be seen that blogging has become a global phenomenon that is spreading like wildfire. However, how far has this 'fire' spread? According to Pyra (1999, cited by Branum, J.M 2001), Blogger that was generated by the San Francisco-based Pyra Labs introduced blogger in 1999 which now has almost more than 150 000 users. Based on the above, one can see that within just 3 years, the amount of registered users had increased potentially.
According to the State of the Blogosphere' website (2001), 69% of bloggers in their survey suggest that personal satisfaction is the way to measure the success of one's blog whereas professionals, Corporates and entrepreneurs suggest that the amount of unique visitors determines success. This goes to show that different people measure success of their blogs differently.
It can be seen in Malaysia that the Prime Minister's blog is trending because of the number of unique visitors per day. Society goes there to retrieve information or give comments on different agendas. It is quite influential on the public as it can be seen as a tool for propaganda to influence the public. On the other hand, Mahathir's blog is also very influential and has been a form of communication with the previous prime minister. It functions the same as the Prime Minister's blog to spread propaganda because the content is filled ideologies from Mahathir. Therefore, political interest can be seen in blogs in Malaysia.
References
Branum, J.M 2001, The blogging phenomenon: an overview and theoretical considerations, Southwest Texas State University, viewed 23 March 2012, <http://www.ajy.net/jmb/blogphenomenon.htm>
State of the Blogosphere 2011, State of the Blogosphere 2011, viewed 23 March 2012, <http://technorati.com/social-media/article/state-of-the-blogosphere-2011-part2/>
