Bacon's
Information, the provider of media research,
distribution, monitoring, and evaluation services for
public relations and corporate communications
professionals, has endeavored to light the depths of
the Blogosphere. In January, Bacon's MediaSource will
begin sharing with its clients the names of what it
considers to be the 250 most reputable blogs, the
messages they contain, and the frequency with which
client-relevant information appears on them.
Ruth McFarland, senior vice president and publisher
for Bacon's, said she vacillated about the
significance of blogs, but was sufficiently convinced
this year to assign three of her 56 editors to monitor
the Blogosphere. "We're adjusting our network because
no one is accurately monitoring these guys as their
influence continues to grow."
Bacon's is keeping tight raps on its blog list, which
covers technology, politics, business, travel, and
religion. The racy Wonkette, the Miami Herald's Dave
Barry, and the Silicon Valley Watcher are three
well-known blogs run by "reputable, credible
professionals" that McFarland said will be on the
list.
McFarland said her team will "spot check" blogs on a
rotating basis, because three editors, together
dedicating 60 man hours per week, will not have time
to thoroughly fact-check 250 streaming
consciousnesses. Over the next year, McFarland will
allocate more or less staff based on market demand.
Asked if Bacon's is aware of the risk of associating
itself with such a fickle market, McFarland responds:
"There's always risk involved when there's so much
power and influence at stake."
Bacon's provides coverage of more than 135
broadcast-media markets. Bacon's also tracks print
content. |
