Wednesday, January 15, 2014

A Blogshocking Revelation

I did not plan on posting today, but read something this morning that I almost couldn't believe.

I subscribe to the weekly email from the New England Historical and Genealogical Society (NEHGS). The email, entitled 'The Weekly Genealogist,' always has great links and stories of interest. For the last few years they also have a Survey. I look forward to it every Wednesday. Last week's survey posed several questions about writing and reading blogs.

Are you sitting down?

FIFTY-SEVEN PERCENT of their almost 4,000 responders read NO blogs.

None. Zip. Zero.

Here are the results of the survey:

The Weekly Genealogist Survey
Last week's survey asked how many genealogy blogs you follow. More than one answer could be selected. 3,788 people answered the survey. The results are:

57%, 0
23%, 1-2
14%, 3-5
3%, 6-10
3%, More than 10
4%, I write a genealogy blog.
2%, I'm planning to start a genealogy blog.
1%, I used to write a genealogy blog.

Source: The Weekly Genealogist, Vol. 17, No. 03, Whole #670, January 15, 2014

I know blogging may not be the most popular method of reaching out to the internet, but a lot of people sure still do it. I was one of the 3% reporting that I read 'More than 10' blogs per week.

Only 4% replied they write a blog. Is it us writers that are also the readers? Perhaps the readership for NEHGS skews older, and therefore fewer subscribers also blog? Maybe this email goes to more casual researchers? 

Theories abound. Any opinions? Are you surprised, too?


(c) 2014 Sally Knudsen