Blogs have been around for a while, but really have come into the mainstream with the introduction of automated publishing systems like Blogger at http://www.blogger.com that made it really easy for Web site owners to add this type of content. Google acquired Blogger.com in 2003. There are all kinds of sites like Bloglin,) that provide you with Web based tools to create your own blog, subscribe to others, and search for blogs that are of interest.

Consumers’ desire to have more control over “real” information as opposed to what the media wants them to have has grown significantly over the last few years. Blogs often are seen to be unbiased consumer-generated content and thus have grown in popularity over that same time period. The technology enables anyone to broadcast information, pictures, and videos worldwide in a matter of minutes. No more waiting for video or pictures on CNN of the latest hurricane or disaster. Bloggers can have the content up instantaneously, others link to it, and it is all over the Web in a matter of minutes.