Thank you for reporting on our survey. I should point out that the conclusion of our survey is that bloggers are only more authoritative than news sites in certain circumstances, where they have demonstrated their authority and where (for example) the news sites cite them. In general bloggers are more authoritative the more they act like conventional journalists, cite more than one source, and reveal their interests.

Often, the habits of bloggers (single sourcing, being partisan) weaken their influence. Jeff Jarvis only achieved influence over Dell’s reputation because his experience chimed with that of so many others.

Best wishes,

Mark Rogers
CEO
Market Sentinel

By ‘big boys’ I’m referring to the mainstream media. I suspect that once the novelty wears off blogs, so will the idea that they have greater authority than traditional media. Indeed, it will become apparent that blogs are more easily corrupted than, say, an established newspaper.