May Contain Bolts

Welcome to The Bottom Line – a new investigative segment exploring the issues of today, with interviews and various other (usually pointless) insights. Today’s topic – the blogodemic.

As the populous of R09 attempt to entertain themselves during the run-up to the most significant events of their puny lives thus far, many have resorted to the act of procrastination through blogging. Since the conclusion of the ‘trials’ (dubbed by some as ‘the second coming of Mr Alder’), the blogforce participation rate (BFPR) has increased exponentially from 14.2% to 17.8%. This has been driven by the strong levels of growth in the Blogspot sector (71.4%) and the Tumblr sector (50%).

WordPress: 11.5 ->13.5 (+3 new, -1 (BS) -0.5 (Tb) +1.5 (LS) transition)
Blogspot: 7 -> 12 (+3 new, +1 (WP) +1 (LS) transition)
Tumblr: 3 -> 4.5 (+1 new, +0.5 (WP) transition)
Live Spaces: 2.5 -> 0 (-1.5 (WP) -1 (BS) transition)

Total blogs: 24 -> 30 (+6 new) [stats from July to August/September]

Leading the Blogspot charge is mishmashmosh – one of the major defectors from the WordPress Alliance, after having recently transitioned in late June. Her blog, averaging over 100 views per day, has been at the forefront of R09 blogodemic, inspiring many with her entertaining outlook on the world and constant feedback. Previously she has claimed numerous times that her official reason for defection was the complexity of the WordPress system. (1, 2, 3).

However, we believe her true motive was some under the table dealings with shady characters, such as ‘Darth Gaylord‘ and ‘krissybubbles‘. When questioned over these claims, mishmashmosh issued a categorical denial, saying “It’s not true. I was there first. Krissybubbles is a copycat”. These startling new claims have sparked new investigations by SPICO (best known for their coverage of the 2007 R09 Moderator Elections) into the blogger individuality of ‘krissybubbles’.

Suspicious blurry photo depicting krissybubbles (left) along with disturbed accomplice.

“We have not found any evidence of copying, nor any feline traits, contrary to mishmashmosh’s claims.” stated a SPICO insider. “We have, however, found high levels of asian fobness, and have diagnosed ‘krissybubbles’ with photogruous luvoitis, a highly infectious disease that may cause excessive levels of arm and facial stress, and an increased number of queer looks from the general public. Unfortunately, there is currently no known cure for this disease.”

The change in the blog climate has also been marked by the infinite% increase in the number of collaborative blogs (0 -> 3). Pioneered by the three beautiful ladies of samcuties in late August, collaborative blogs have now grown to a 10% share of the R09 blog market. Asked about this trend, Mindy said “If one person dies down and doesn’t really feel like blogging, there are other people to continue. Also, it’s just more fun, it’s our last year man, we’re in this together “.

“The introduction of group blogging in the recent few weeks to the community has definitely expanded our horizons,” declared Aryan, co-owner of 1 Missed Call, a blog he started with Dan ‘Double D’ Dinh after D’s unexpected retirement from the R09 rap scene. “I must say however 1 Missed Call is to conquer over the other blogs, especially Neddys (much love to Eddy)…Everytime people look at their phones, they will remember us.” These claims have not yet been verified by SPICO, however the last time that we looked at our phone, this was false.

Joint CEOs of Neddys - Eddy (left) and Nathan (right)

Neddys, a collaborative blog run by CEOs Nathan and Eddy, has taken a more commercial approach with their work, with a growing workforce of over 10 employees. With an estimated combined worth of $34.50 (August 2009), Neddys ranks as the number #243 Asian collaborative blog (net total worth), and has also recently reached a record #421 on Maxim’s list of World’s Sexiest Asian Collaborative Bloggers 2009. However, their corporate structure has led some to question their motives. “We just thought only people we knew would read our blog.” Eddy said, after spending 10 minutes consulting their legal team. “Yes, not the President of United States or the sheik of Dubai, who wants to sponsor us now.” Nathan replied.

“We have received numerous offers to plaster our faces on noodle boxes, endorse this, endorse that.” Nathan continued. “And bus stops.” Eddy replied. “And bear peoples babies.” said Nathan. “But like always, we endeavour only to provide enjoyment to those who follow us. We never in any way attempt to purposely gain benefit from our blogs.”

The bottom line: Only time can tell how much longer this sustained blogging trend can continue. After 2 consecutive quarters of positive growth, forecasts predict negative growth for Q4 as the blogosphere enters a recession due to the Human Study Crisis. Current tools are unable to predict the trend for Q1 2010, however analysts are expecting numbers to fall as bloggers begin to gain ’social lives’ and ‘deadlines’. One thing remains certain though – this post was absolutely pointless.