Celeb-blogging

For a company, controlling a brand name is very essential. This means, they cannot ignore the power of the internet that is so instrumental in connecting them to their consumers directly. Likewise, each celebrity is also a brand in him/her-self which is why it becomes equally important for celebrities to connect with their fan base directly.

The internet is a prime source for news and gossip and therefore it comes as no surprise that many celebrities across the world have taken on to blogging. Social networking website such as Digg attracted as many as about 230 million visitors in 2008 alone and the number will only keep on rising. So for any celebrity, using web tools like blogging, for publicity and retaining their brand name is easier through the internet. In fact in 2008, Bollywood and technology related genres made-up the majority of blog content with cricket coming in at 3rd.

Blogging helps celebs to connect with their fans. This helps them to portray their real self. Thus blogs help celebrities to get votes for themselves, adding to their image, just as it helps the politicians. So to create a better image and to negate all kinds of criticism, most celebrities across the world have taken on to blogging.

Indian celeb bloggers include Shobha De (http://shobhaade.blogspot.com/), Rajdeep Sardesai (http://ibnlive.in.com/blogs/author/1/rajdeepsardesai.html), Amitabh Bachchan (http://bigb.bigadda.com/) ,Aamir Khan (http://www.aamirkhan.com/blog/login.php), Abhinav  Bindra(http://abhinavbindra.blogspot.com/) ,Kiran Bedi( http://www.kiran-bedi.blogspot.com/)  and Krishnamachari Srikkanth( http://worldcupwithkrish.blogspot.com/).

Right from criticizing the scams that are happening at the CWG to her visit to Britain, Shobha De has incorporated a sarcastic approach to almost all her blogs, making it very interesting to read .She has also portrayed condemnation against racism, corruption and other malpractices. Besides, there are innumerable actors who have started writing blogs, the most popular ones being AB, King Khan and Mr. Perfectionist- Aamir Khan. Apart from talking about the filmy world, these actors discuss contemporary events that have taken place in the country or the world.

If actors are blogging, why should sportsmen be behind? Ace shooter and Olympian gold medalist Abhinav Bindra also has his blog in which he talks about the journey to his achievements, while Indian cricket team’s chief selector Kris Srikkanth also writes a blog. We definitely know the importance a blog during the times when India loses!

After desi blogs, let’s talk about the videshi ones. Although blogging is just catching up in India, it is a common publicity phenomenon in the West. Celeb bloggers talk about their personal lives, scandals and other experiences. Victoria Beckham, Spice Girls star and wife of football sensation David Beckham has a blog (http://victoriadavidbeckham.blogspot.com/),so does tennis player Anna Kournikova (http://www.kournikova.com/blog/).Actor John Cusack also writes a blog on huffingtonpost.com (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-cusack/). He discusses a lot of national issues, not just limiting his skills as an actor but also acting as a vigilant citizen.    Donald Trump, American business tycoon and TV personality, blogs about business skills and tactics to help young entrepreneurs. (http://www.trumpinitiative.com/blog/index.cfm)

Other celebrities who blog include the famous CNN journalist Anderson Cooper (http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/),  twin stars Ashley and Mary Kate Olsen (http://olsenboye.com/blog/), spiritual guru Deepak Chopra (http://www.intentblog.com/author.php?author=Deepak%20Chopra) and action hero Jackie Chan.

Most of these blogs by celebrities whether in India or outside are for self promotion, just like corporate blogs. Very few celebs discuss socio-national issues on their blogs.

Although, whatever the nature of the blog may be, at the end of the day, a wise celebrity would use it to the maximum because no matter what, this is the easiest medium to keep one’s brand image alive.