The Tumblr Phenomenon

Hardcore bloggers are probably well aware of Tumblr, but most internet users might not be. Like most blogging services, Tumblr is free and allows users to post to their heart's desire. However, it has been snapped up by likes of artists, bands, thinkers, and teens looking for a channel in which to vent their frustration and give wings to their thoughts.

Started in 2007 by David Karp, Tumblr is perhaps the easiest blogging platform available. After a brief 30-second registration, bloggers are free to utilize the incredibly simply posting interface, which requires only a click on the desired content to be posted (text, quote, audio, video, photo, chat, or link). Tumblr boasts an ample amount of gorgeously simple themes, many of which can be tweaked to the user's desired color scheme.

Unlike most other blogs, Tumblr not only allows bloggers to post whatever they want, but creates a sort of community by allowing users to "follow" each other's blogs. Then, each followed blog's posts will show up on the user's dashboard along with their own posts. This makes it easy for users to stay up to date on band schedules or info, family events, or the funniest pictures and most thought-provoking quotes that other bloggers unearth.

Another unique Tumblr trait is the ability to "reblog" any post. Any user, upon spotting a post--whether it's a quote, chunk of text, picture, or video--is able to re-post the content on their own blog. Reblogging raises a user's tumblarity, a sort of ranking system driven by reblogs, likes, and number of followers. This way, the more prolific posters get bumped up and discovered, which creates a whole cycle of posting, reblogging, and following.

The vast majority of Tumblr's content is thoughts typed out hastily, twitter-like updates or short phrases, unique photography, quotes, songs, and videos. These aren't your everyday mainstream blogs; they are like diaries in which bloggers can share their deepest secrets and most vivid dreams. These blogs are windows into each user's character and psyche, providing depth and reason to the person behind the user name.