|
|
Portfolio > Genre Fluency 1
What is a weblog? | Experience | Advice | Further Discussion | Resources | Suggested Blogs
Weblogs
(or blogs) are a type of web application that allow individuals to self-publish
in a journal style format on a webpage. The entries appear in chronological
order with the most recent entry appearing at the top of the page. Each entry
has a title and a date. Photos, written text, hyperlinks, documents can all
be posted on the weblog. Depending on the template, a reader can also view the
writer's (known as a blogger) biography and other relevant information such
as favorite links, other blogs they read, etc.
Weblog style varies from online diaries to political blogs, from reflecting on everyday life to commentating on the latest news and offering links to useful sites on the internet. Blog entries can range from specific subjects to broad sweep topic. Many people blog about everyday experience to opinions on the latest fashion, political controversy, or newest technology news. No topic is excluded from the weblog.
Weblogs are also interactive; they allow readers to become part of a community – to be able to post comments, questions and opinions in response to bloggers or other reader comments. The blog allows the writer to link sources directly into the body of the post, enabling the reader to refer instantly and directly to material referred to in an entry.
Blogging has been a hobby of mine for over a year. I started blogging as a way to communicate with friends and family after I left to attend college away from home. My younger sisters and many of my friends had blogs and blogging was a good way to stay connected. I soon met other people through my blog who also blogged and some of them I soon became good friends with. A typical blog postfor me might include what I did that day, random thoughts, my opinion on different current events, a discriptive observation of something I saw that day, and I might also include links and photos to inhance my blog post. Blogging has also been a way for me to improve my writing as I can get feedback from my readers through comments they leave on my blog. I often post my poetry on my blog and ask for feedback from my fellow bloggers and readers. Their reaction help me further my writing and give me ideas for revising.
Not only do I write in a blog but I'm also an active reader of blogs. I have many of my favorite blogs and bloggers listed in my "friends feature" where I can access links to their blog. I response to other bloggers post in the form of comments which allows me to express my opinion or idea. I often respond to different political blogs to express my opinion about current events, many times this fuels a conversation between me, the blogger and other readers. Reading and commenting in blogs can be a wonderful way to discuss different ideas, opinions, and life experiences.
Before you start blogging, spend some time reading other blogs to become better acquainted with the varying styles and types of weblogs on the internet. Do not be afraid to explore different blogging service to find out which one best satisfies your needs. Each weblog service will have slightly different features to offer its users so playing with each will give you a better sense of what is available. Many weblogs have pre-made templates you can choose from while others allow you to design or at least modify your own. Some weblogs services also provide features such as RSS feeds and blogrolls for their individual users. See Resources below for some suggested weblog hosting services.
One way to build an audience and strong communication around your weblog is to comment on other weblogs. Making comments and engaging other bloggers will let others know you are out there and will encourage them to read and comment on your own blog. Sending out email to your friends, realatives, and coworkers to alert them about your blog will also encourage your blogging audience.
With the introduction of the internet, mass communication has changed and challenged traditional forms of media. Some believe the weblog is a new writing genre, destined to change communication on the internet. According to a report by CNN, "what once seemed like a passing fancy has morphed into a cutting-edge phenomenon that may provide the platform for the Internet's next wave of innovation and moneymaking opportunities."
Weblogs or blogs are actually almost a decade old, but they have just become mainstream as software has made it possible for anyone with internet access to create and maintain a blog. Earlier blogs were more commentary, with links and comments about the links making up the majority of the blog. As blogging has become more popular and easy to use, the more reflective and diary style of writing has sprung up.
The following links are some of the most popluar weblog hosting services available on the web. They take much of the design and guess work out of blogging, providing free blogging templates and accounts to their uses.
For further reading, the following links are some of the newest trends, information, and resources on the weblog:
Choose the Right Blog Tool
Ten Tips for a Better Blog
The Weblog Handbook
'Blog' Is Runaway Word Of Year
Blog Readership Surged 58 Percent in 2004
Is a good example of a commentary style blog. She also writes on the blogging phenomonon and the history of blogging.
A reflective blog filled with stories of a New York city resident's experiences told in colorful detail as she goes about her everyday life.Back to top