Krishnamurthy, Sandeep

The Multidimensionality of Blog Conversations: The Virtual Enactment of September 11


Abstract

The attacks on September 11 led to chaos and confusion. The web sites of usually-dependable American news agences (e.g. CNN, MSNBC) were inaccessible at times. Using a community approach to information/news sharing and discussion, blogs (or web-logs) act as a dynamic and interactive news space. In the atmosphere of confusion on 9/11, the multi-dimensionality of these blogs was on full display. News was shared with those who did not have access. Links to overseas news agencies expanded the sources of news. Eyewitnesses described the scene. Rumors flourished. Emotions were expressed. Political discussions raged. Using extensive textual data from blog conversations on 9/11, this paper provides a structure to map the multidimensionality of blogs and explicates their role in the digital news space.