Where do bloggers blog? Platform transitions within the historical Dutch blogosphere

Authors

  • Esther Weltevrede University of Amsterdam
  • Anne Helmond University of Amsterdam

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v17i2.3775

Keywords:

Blogosphere, hyperlink networks, blog software, social media, digital methods

Abstract

The blogosphere has played an instrumental role in the transition and the evolution of linking technologies and practices. This research traces and maps historical changes in the Dutch blogosphere and the interconnections between blogs, which — traditionally considered — turn a set of blogs into a blogosphere. This paper will discuss the definition of the blogosphere by asking who the actors are which make up the blogosphere through its interconnections. This research aims to repurpose the Wayback Machine so as to trace and map transitions in linking technologies and practices in the blogosphere over time by means of digital methods and custom software. We are then able to create yearly network visualizations of the historical Dutch blogosphere (1999–2009). This approach allows us to study the emergence and decline of blog platforms and social media platforms within the blogosphere and it also allows us to investigate local blog cultures.

Author Biographies

Esther Weltevrede, University of Amsterdam

Esther Weltevrede is a Ph.D. candidate with the Digital Methods Initiative, the New Media Ph.D. program at the Department of Media Studies, University of Amsterdam. In her research she focuses on software–engine relations in the blogosphere and cross-syndication politics in social media. She also teaches new media courses in the Media Studies Department.

Anne Helmond, University of Amsterdam

Anne Helmond is a Ph.D. candidate with the Digital Methods Initiative, the New Media Ph.D. program at the Department of Media Studies, University of Amsterdam, where she also teaches. Esther’s research interests include national Web studies as well as platform and engine politics. Additionally Esther has been coordinating the DMI Summer schools and is also a member of Govcom.org, a foundation dedicated to creating political Web tools.

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Published

2012-02-02

How to Cite

Weltevrede, E., & Helmond, A. (2012). Where do bloggers blog? Platform transitions within the historical Dutch blogosphere. First Monday, 17(2). https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v17i2.3775