I think it is to a large extent a trend but also due to blogs becoming associated with an established look.
Blogging software tends to be white on black, as that is most easily read by most people, with a simple layout and basic images as that provides most flexibility. These basic templates are often left pretty much standard as the blogger is not a skilled web designer so can't do much to alter the default design and layout. Blogs became “the future” and we all know the hype that's followed, and it doesn't take long once a new trend has started for the hordes to start aping it. Blogging is the future, it's cool or so we are led to believe so website owners and designer who want to be part of this cool future ape the blog look.
However it's also important to remember that blogs have a look that existed before the blog hype began. A simple clean, uncluttered, minimalist look, which I think best sums up the look we're taking about, was being used before. However because hype that surrounds blogs today, rather than blogs being seen as having adopted a certain style, there is instead the style blogs created. Very comfy indeed
Which leads on to the issue of love it or hate it. I see a fence coming up, it looks comfy. I like it if it's done well and actually makes sense to use. If you have a web site about translating languages, it should be all about the text. On the other hand, a site dedicated to a traditional country cottage with roses round the door really shouldn't have a minimalist design. Comfy..
