Research Proposal

This is what I basically hope to do with my Thesis:

Introduction

Introduction to Internet Language/e-discourse
The emergence of "digicourse" (as defined by Zitezen and Stein and a number of other researchers)
Small introduction to the blog and its popularity

Chapter One - The place of the blog in Internet media.
Definition of the blog
description of the form of the blog Form - (the physical features)
Comparison of the blog with other more "established" forms of internet mediums such as the chat for example. Can the blog stand apart as a distinctly unique form of internet media or is it a hybrid within a hybrid? (e-discourse itself being described as a hybrid). If a blog employs different facets of "traditional" internet media where can it be placed?
Chronology of the blog - how it gained popularity over the years - its increasing importance.

Chapter Two - Blog Discourse Community
Definition of Discourse Community - (John Swales)
Functions of Blogs (what they are used for..)
Blog Discourse communities - linking such communities to Swales' six step definition - is it an appropriate application?
Examples/Analysis from blog communities.
Other features unique to online (in this case blog) discourse community - The concept of "trolling", "flame wars" "Godwins Law", Identity etc...

Chapter Three - Blogging in Sri Lanka
Chronology of blogging in Sri Lanka - its rise in popularity
What are blogs being used FOR in Sri Lanka?
Development of Kottu/Moju/Latapata
Features of Sri Lankan blogs - distinct "Sri Lankan" features seperate from or local spin offs of traditional features of the wider 'blogosphere'
Vocabulary, style of writing, trolling flaming etc..
nNumbers on Kottu, Moju etc
Profile of Sri Lankan blogger? Reader? Non contributor? (this chapter will be supplemented with interviews/observations of Kottu, other discourse communities etc) J
ust a fad? Something deeper?