Information Practices of Literary Bloggers

Abstract

In this article we present the results of an investigation that sought to ascertain the information practices of bloggers regarding their roles as readers, content producers, and reading mediators in the webrings - the social circles of bloggers - belonging the literary blogosphere. Since the research was qualitative and in depth, the methodology involved the use of netnography, which allowed an immersion in the literary blogosphere, using the documentary analysis and the semi-structured interview as data collection techniques. The results pointed out the information practices performed by the eight bloggers identified in the sample, which were listed in four categories: reading, identity, information actions, and interaction. Regarding the roles played by the bloggers in the literary blogosphere, it was identified that they act as readers and as content producers but are not considered mediators of reading, although they encourage reading on their blogs. The motivation of each blogger both to enter the literary blogosphere and to keep their blog active runs through personal matters that extend beyond the simple desire to share readings: the need to overcome shyness, to have an active voice, and to be heard by other people, as well as being able to express their own opinion about the readings, set an example for their children and keep them close, escape from loneliness, and the responsibility for editorial partnerships and blog readers. Regarding the formation of webrings, it was verified that they are formed both in virtual and in person, through literary events. However, the interaction between literary bloggers occurs predominantly in the virtual environment.