This is the first post in a mini-series on blogging. Topics will include, why to blog, how to blog and why to connect with other bloggers. I figure the best way to start this seires is by bridging the gap between blogging (new media) and reporters (traditional media). A lot of people are nervous about getting involved with new and social media. People and organizations that are setting up social media accounts are not dedicating a lot of time to them. This happens for several reasons, one is that it is hard to judge ROI and two because people do not have clear plans. So, its easier to stick with what we know.

If you are part of this group that is dedicated to traditional media, you could be missing out by not blogging or reaching out to bloggers. Let's say your goal is to reach out to reporters and get traditional media coverage; blogging is a great way to do this. Brodeur surveyed 4,000 journalists and this is what they found:

• 20.9% of reporters said they spend more than an hour per day reading blogs
• 57.1% of reporters said they read blogs at least two to three times per week
• 71% of journalists have a list of blogs that they check on a regular basis
• More than 90% of journalists check blogs at least two or three times a month

Reporters check blogs, so having a blog is another way to get noticed by reporters. And if you managed to get yourself on a list of blogs that reporters check the you might be covered by reporters without doing any addition pitching.

Next week: Why reach out to Bloggers? (available only in the GMT member center)