Music fans have taken over the Internet with personal shrines to their favorite genres, making or breaking careers in some cases. But can the source be trusted? Professional music journalists weigh in on the reliability and influence of music blogs.

The Internet has radically changed access to information. News that used to take days or weeks to circulate now makes the global rounds in a matter of hours. With the arrival of blogs — web logs that allow Joe Average to post news, opinions, commentary and gossip — journalism is being democratized. It used to be an elite group that broke stories, provided editorial comment and acted as tastemakers. Now anyone with an IP address has a voice. In the past several years, bloggers have become a staple of mainstream culture — widely read, often quoted in the press and even invited to serve as talking heads on TV.

One of the most interesting facets of the blog phenomenon is music blogs, which have transformed fans into critics almost overnight. Some bloggers are established music journalists, but most are music nerds who spend their spare time combing the Net and flooding the blogosphere with heated debate. Before blogs, a fan’s sphere of influence was limited to his or her circle of acquaintances, but now fans are attracting audiences in the hundreds of thousands and influencing public opinion.

…and one more thing…

Community + free exchange of information = FANS!!!

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