57 million Americans read blogs. Yep. So, think of five people you’re certain don’t follow blogs, and here’s how it breaks down:

• Four of them don’t read blogs
• One’s lying, or doesn’t really know what a blog is
• You’re reading a blog

Now multiply yourselves by 57 million and you’re just enough to beat the U.S. in a pillow fight.

Ad Age’s Beth Snyder Bulik asks “Who Blogs?” The findings are eye-opening for organizations that don’t consider themselves the “blogging type” (or even blog-curious).

Consumers are also taking bloggers’ word before they buy. A late 2006 Ipsos MORI survey found that blogs were a more trusted source of information than advertising or e-mail marketing. One-third of respondents said they had decided not to buy a product after reading a negative blog post, while 52% were persuaded to buy after reading a positive review.

B2B’s, B2C’s, non-profits… What do you think? Is it time to hire a journalist?