The recently concluded top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs of 2007 writing project caused quite a buzz in the blogosphere over the past few days. It has gathered quite a few criticisms and questions concerning the integrity of the contest and its results.

But wait! Don’t click the close button just yet! I’m not going to bore you by joining the endless debate that the issue has brought about. I am here to talk about the real matter at hand:

What does it take for a blog to be considered influential?

Does it have to do with the number of links? The age of the blog? Do they need to have high rankings? Do they need to be high earners? Should their presence always be felt?

For me, being influential is beyond figures and measurement. If you have inspired and made your readers react or move according to your words, then you could be considered influential. If you have given them something to think of and ponder upon, once again, you could be considered influential. You see, being influential highly depends upon the people who receive a projected influence. A blog may not influence you in the same way that it has influenced others.

This post is not to question the validity of any particular contest, nor does it side with the ideals of those of the opposing side. What I am trying to point out is that anyone can be influential in their own way. I could influence you, you could influence me.

The blogosphere is a place where people step up on their own stages to spread out their own ideas to others. Most of us do this merely for the sake of expression, to entertain, or even to inform, we do this while we unknowingly influence and touch other people both in heart and mind.

So, what makes a blog influential? My answer: It is the person behind the blog. Nothing more.

Just some personal thoughts. Happy Blogging!

Thanks to everyone for your support!

Do you consider yourself influential? Do you think your influence has made a big change on the blogosphere? Drop your comments below!