The Metrics of Blogs and eBooks

Alright...here are some new numbers for blogging and ebooks.

U.S. Blog Readers, 2008-2014 (millions and % of internet users)
2008 91.4 45%
2009 102.6 48.5%
2010 112.7 51%
2011 122.6 53.5%
2012 133.8 56.5%
2013 141.6 58%
2014 150.4 60%
Source: eMarketer, August 2010


U.S. Bloggers, 2008-2014 (millions and % of internet users)
2008 22.9 11.3%
2009 24 11.3%
2010 26.2 11.9%
2011 28.1 12.3%
2012 30.1 12.7%
2013 31.6 13%
2014 33.4 13.3%

It's no surprise about the number differences between the consumption of blogs and the creation of them. I guess the one big question to answer soon will be what's the difference between a website and a blog. A lot of current "websites" are really blogs by definition.

In my mind a "website" changes very little, while a "blog" changes frequently-if not hourly in some cases. Then there are the hybrids. Our website also has a blog built in, but most of my site does not update. However, Visual Media Concepts does swap out video examples every so often.

Basically, the term website and blog is interchangeable at this point. I often tell people where they can find my "content", rather than use either term. This is confusing to some people, so use whatever terminology your clients understand.

On to ebooks...

Are your ebooks primarily produced in place of or addition to print editions?
*In addition to print 65%
*Unsure 20%
*Instead of print 9%
*Other 6%
Source: eMarketer, August 2010

What are the biggest challenges bring to market?
*E-Reader Format/Compatibility options 21%
*Distribution channel issues 19%
*Digital rights management (DRM) 16%
*Overall cost of ebook production 13%
*Quality of the converted content 12%
*Cost of backlist conversion 10%
*Unsure 7%
*Other 2%
Source: eMarketer, August 2010

I'm not an ebook reader at this moment. Kobi, my wife, loves it! She received a Barnes & Noble Nook Ebook Reader for her birthday this past December. She's read countless books and has shared books with her friend, who also has a Nook. I'm a gadget geek, so I'll get a Nook also, only because it makes the most sense because of the sharing feature.

I have to say though, I'm not a huge fan and really prefer the feel of flipping through a book and magazine.

So what is your take on these numbers and your feelings about blogs and ebooks?