|ˈinfloŏəns|
noun
the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself : the influence of television violence | I was still under the influence of my parents | their friends are having a bad influence on them.
• the power to shape policy or ensure favorable treatment from someone, esp. through status, contacts, or wealth : the institute has considerable influence with teachers.
• a person or thing with such a capacity or power : Frank was a good influence on her.
Ok, this is a long story and it’s really a tough job to understand what makes people able to influence their peers.
Is a blog influencing because of the numbers of readers? Or it has a high numbers of readers because it is influencing? Which comes first?
What generate influence?
A Vizu research seems to show that in determining the key drivers for a blog success, three out of four are purely qualitative and personal:
1. Quality of writing
2. Author reputation
3. Topical focus
While the quantitative driver is the frequency of posting.
Popularity, buzz, recommendations are all present but represent only a small slice of the cake.
Me? There is an evidence that struck my attention: none of these rankings shows trust as a driver.
To me, knowing that what I read is true and transparent is the key driver.
What about you?

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