Conversationblog

I have been late covering the recent Edelman study report entitled "A Corporate Guide to the Global Blogosphere" but it is definitely worth it.

What shows ? The Belgosphere (Belgian blogosphere) makes people take action, much more so than in any other country.

Edelman conducted an international survey about the blogosphere and how citizens interact and influence through the use of blogs. Next to country by country analysis it also compares all the countries with regards to readership, demographics, blog consumption etc...

I will just take out some interesting facts about the Belgian blogosphere but the whole study is definitely worth reading.

937 Belgians were surveyed.

• 14% of the Belgians surveyed read blogs
• 79% do not read blogs
• of those reading blogs, 41% are considered influencers (see the report for definition)

But what I found most interesting is that while there are fewer Belgians reading blogs than in any other country surveyed, the ones that do read blogs are very active.

43% of blog readers in Belgium took some sort of action after reading a blog. When the "influencers" among those blog readers were isolated we see a staggering 84% of influencers who have been spurred to action by a blog. Here are some more details:

• 37% of Belgian blogreaders signed a petition.
• 13% attended a public meeting on a local issue.
• 20% attended a political rally, speech or organised protest.

On all the Belgians surveyed, those who do not read blogs tend to be much less active and engaged.

Conclusion; while less Belgians tend to read blogs compared to other countries - those who do are influencers and are taking action based on what they read on a blog. These study results also show that blogs can definitely play an important role in any kind of influencer program and that it can spur "the public" into action on a specific topic.

Should be a wake up call for many PR/PA professionals and NGO/Pressure Groups alike... See what other bloggers are writing about the study.

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