Robyn,
The part about blog reading being more habitual than content-oriented is very interesting and, I suspect, true of many readers. But I also believe that many others are totally "into" content and would rather read a few good, solid, information-packed posts than many light, simple, superficial ones. I suppose it really depends on one's reasons for reading.
Fascinating post!
Jeanne
I found this fascinating too Robyn. I guess I have some blogs that I skim in the same way I skim (or used to skim) the pages of a newspaper. Other pieces and places (like yours) where I am motivated to engage and contribute.
I think I'd soon weary of blogs if all I did was skim (start to seem a bit same-y) after a while, but the interaction keeps it fresh, creative and brain fuelling.
Joanna
Like Jeanne and Joanna I too find this fascinating. I have only just put into perspective the development of interacting with online media and I am working with wikis for the first time. I was a lurker for a while worried that i did not know the rules - once I got going though it was fine.
I have my regular routine of reading blogs which usually make me think. They often lead me somewhere interesting.And I occasionaly search for something different. For me this is the best form of learning I have ever encountered!
Jeanne, when I read this report I found it fascinating, like you. At first it took me back to the different stages I went through as a newbie blogger. I wondered if anyone out there would read what I wrote and I struggled with feelings that I was baring part of me as I wrote. The process helped me grow in many ways. And, after I had been writing for about six months, I began to make comments on others' blogs. Things changed from that point!
If content is only "surface" I suspect as the research shows that people would skim it quickly. That's quite unlike the very thoughtful posts on your site.
Robyn
Joanna, perhaps, too, it's the curiosity piece. Our brains are curious and if the content is same-y there's no "digging deeper" to figure out ideas or to translate what was shared to different contexts. 
And, since your blogs are fueled by dragon fire, there's not danger of losing my curiosity.
I liken the launching of a blog like diving into ice cold water, Jackie. You're scared to do it, but once you dive you shiver enormously However, when you get moving, you warm up, stroke with more agility and keep exploring new pools.
Good for you, Jackie, in exploring the wiki's. Like you, I've had a high learning explosion since blogging.
Robyn,
Thanks for your kind words about my posts. I feel the very same way about yours. When I read a blog, I want to come away feeling as if I've gotten something of value from it--and I always feel that way at Brain-Based Biz.
I can certainly relate to your comments about starting out as a blogger, and I do recall what that was like. Being a newbie blogger places one in a very vulnerable position, since it takes time to develop the confidence that comes through experience, readership, feedback, backlinks, and Google PR. Value-added content certainly seems to increase a blog's growth in all these areas, though.
Jeanne
Jeanne, the value added content, I believe is what leads to comments, along with personality that shines through the posts. I sense these go hand in hand. 
I appreciate the insights you bring that add value to my posts!
Hopefully blog reading is not just habitual. I hope readers gain insightful information that helps them to grow.
Robyn,
I do believe you're right that great content and personality go hand in hand in inviting reader response to a blog. That must be why I enjoy commenting on your blog so much.
Jeanne
Dana, I sense if reading what others know and think about helps me grow or challenge me intellectually, it gives me a thirst for more. If not, we'd soon lose interest.
Thanks for stopping by and letting us know what you're thinking.
I loved this blog because I hadn't put much thought into it beforehand but yes... everyone wants to feel as if they've shared something worthwhile and when people comment it validates that fact. Social networks are becoming more and more powerful today and it's apparent that in the blog world... the more readers you have the more popular you are-- and that means more than money to some!!!
LALANII
Lalanii, how great to see you here... thanks for moving up the rungs to be a commenter...
One benefit of writing is to refine ideas and sharpen them through conversations with people like you!
I'm very honored to have you stop by and please do so from time to time!
Robyn:
When my home computer went ca'put and we decided invested in a new PC, one challenge has been to get back into my groove -- all my feeds were stored on the old one. Bit by bit I'm finding all my favorites again, but I've found that I have missed my favorites so much!
I like this post because it's almost like answering that riddle, if a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound. -- It's like a blog that is written but not commented on -- there's no conversation!
Thanks for your post.
Chris
I really missed you, too, Chris. I thought you must have picked up a work pace that kept you away from blogging quite so much. How refreshing it is to have the silence broken.
I so admired your bravery to switch to Word Press. You now have a groove with it!
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