“Blogging as Social Action: A Genre Analysis of the Weblog” by Miller and Shepherd looks at blogs within rhetorical genre in order to put into perspective their place within society and culture. Writing is an activity of human connection, where individuals express themselves and figure out boundaries between public and private. They use this in discovering what makes blogs unique by examining their structure, the content used, and how it uses its language. Major characteristics that set blogs aside include frequent updating, personal style, and interaction.
The combination of such elements creates a particular place for the sharing of personal stories with and interaction among an extended audience. Miller and Shepherd look into how this tension shows bigger changes in culture, especially in how digital technology changes who we are and how we live together.
This is a study that shows how blogging encourages people to be honest and open about themselves, building a sense of transparency and connection with viewers. While it also it raises a number of questions about performance and the ways in which writers negotiate their public selves. According to Miller and Shepherd, blogging is a genre of writing that draws on deep literary roots, yet it is evolving rapidly due to shifts in technology and culture.
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