Blogging my academic self

Abstract

In the present work I apply the theory of identity to prosumption to the act of academic blogging. Prosumption refers to the blurring of production and consumption, and can have identity implications under certain conditions. I show here how the act of blogging for Cyborgology.org facilitated the prosumption of my Academic Self. This occurred as I saw my work in print, received feedback, and gained entre into an academic community. From a feminist perspective, I look critically at the role of blogging as an academic endeavor for women scholars, and by implication, scholars of underrepresented groups more generally. Engaging in blogging is highly laborious and may detract from other activities given greater weight by hiring and tenure committees. At the same time, blogs are useful avenues through which members of underrepresented groups can establish a voice and engage in public dialogue.