Some musings on who constitutes the population of the blog universe, and why we need to find that out.
As seen on Primary Colors 2004.
I've been thinking a lot about blogs lately, especially given the discussions that have appeared on
daily kos and other places about the role that blogging and bloggers have to play in the future ideological development of the Democratic Party. I tend to agree with the thesis that blogs have (thus far) given many in the left a voice and a chance to creatively explore policy and strategy in ways that have the long-term potential to counter the power of The Heritage Foundation and the Cato Institute, though I think the right will catch up with us quickly. I really appreciate how the blogging universe exemplifies some of the best elements of the Democratic Party--accessibility, diversity, dialogue, a big tent. Which raises my question:
Who is blogging? Has anyone ever done a census of the blog community?
I'm curious to know what the breakdown of political bloggers is, by gender, race, ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation, political orientation, etc. The one bet I'm willing to make is that bloggers are mostly middle and upper-middle class. To do this regularly, you've got to have a lot of computer and internet access, and a lot of time that I know my constituents just don't have. People in lower income brackets are often shut out of the policy-making and think-tank process, except as the subject of studies. It would be unfortunate to think that they're getting shut out of what ought to be a more inclusive medium.
Anyone have any theories? If anyone wants to try to do a census of the blog universe with me, and has creative ideas for how to do it, let me know.