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05/05/2008
Survey: SA’s blogosphere revealed
Among the country 4.5 million internet users there exist a growing population of highly expressive and articulate bloggers
December 1, 2008 - Among the country's 4.5 million Internet users there exists a growing population of highly expressive and articulate bloggers. Passionate and prolific writers, this group of citizens regularly opine on the world around them and their experiences. As active participants among Internet-based communities of common interest (i.e. the blogosphere), these individuals publish their thoughts and opinions online, and regularly read and post comments on other blogs, as well as meet other bloggers offline.
Based on a study by 24.com - the country's largest network of top-ranked sites with more than 2.3 million South African visitors each month - much more is now known about this group of ‘vocal locals'. From October 24 to November 7, nearly 20 percent of the estimated 5000 active bloggers in South Africa participated in the survey; making it the largest of its kind in the country. According to Arthur Goldstuck of World Wide Worx - South Africa's leading independent technology research and strategy organisation - as of January 2008, there were about 4000 active South African blogs that received more than 10.5 million page views and over 1.8 million unique users each month,
"South Africa's blogosphere is thriving, fuelling micro-publishing communities of like-minded individuals. This is publishing democracy in action," says Matthew Buckland, General Manager of online publishing and social media at 24.com.