Watchdogs of tomorrow
tastemakers of today

With 15 million active blogs and another 57 million who read them, blogging has become too big for marketers not to notice, reports Ad Age.

A few weeks ago, tech blog Engadget wrote that Apple's iPhone and Leopard operating system would be seriously delayed. Though it was later revealed that info came from a fake leaked memo, the news still drove Apple's stock into an emotional tailspin.

Hard-earned among readers is the main reason why some blogs hold such sway. An Ipsos survey reports consumers simply trust blogs more than advertising or email marketing. Some 52 percent of readers were persuaded to buy something after reading a positive review posted by a blogger.

Furthermore, a February poll from We Media and Zogby Interactive revealed that 72 percent of adults were dissatisfied with American journalism today. Another 74 percent think "citizen journalism," a term coined for news reported by bloggers, will play an important role in the future.