What’s astonishing is that they’ve managed to do it twice!

Once you have this understanding though – will it necessarily make it easier to “[enter] into a dialogue with them on an individual basis” (does this mean “talk to them”)?

I would argue not. Most people who keep blogs wouldn’t define themselves as bloggers per se. Instead, they would see their expertise or interest as the defining factor. How much, say, does Leo Laporte have in common with Josh Marshall, or GM’s Fast Lane blog with the Guardian’s Word of Mouth food blog?

I suggest that there is very little; and that defining “blogger” is surprisingly hard (are you a blogger now? Am I?). I suggest that knowing how blogs work helps us understand the motivations of certain people very well (but not others). It helps us understand the pressures they’re under, and what motivates them. It helps understand the importance of linking both as a promotional tool, and as a respectful nod to the originator of content. It teaches us how much effort is involved, how hard it is to grow a readership, how everything suddenly seems an opportunity for promotion. It shows us how your everyday life can becomes the subject of your writing, and how writing about things for others can help you understand them better yourself.

This is a very, very cool thing you are doing, so welcome to the blogosphere. What can we do to help?

You have however gone a fair way to persuading me with your very first post, you particularly nailed it when you said:

“our business is based on people, personalities and relationships. The better the relationships, the better the understanding, cooperation and respect from everyone involved.”

You’re right, the best relationships come from understanding and sharing experiences helps that understanding to take place. I still think that you can do it without actually becoming a blogger but that it will take a lot more effort and dedication.

That said, welcome to the blogosphere, look forward to the difficult second post…:)