I am often asked by friends
'what is a blog?' so I have written this post to link them in and let them know what blogging is all about.
There are many definitions of 'what is a blog' on the Internet, but they all tend to be technological, so I will provide my own definition that fellow technophobes can understand. If any regular bloggers disagree with this definition or can elaborate more please do so via comments.
I would say a blog is a cross between a website, magazine and a diary.
Website: Because it looks like one
Magazine: Blogs contain entertaining and interesting content that readers around the world can enjoy.
Diary:A blog does not just contain a single piece of information. The articles appear ongoingly, and appear in reverse chronological order. That is, the most recent blog post appears first with later ones as you scroll further down the page.
So who blogs and why?Anyone who can use a keyboard can start a blog, children as young as 12 are even doing it and with great success too.
You don't need to be a literary genius or have a degree in English language. As long as you can tap out a few words you can start your own blog. It can be like an online journal where you express your thoughts, share a hobby you enjoy or write about topical events. The choice of topic is yours and the possibilities are endless.
They say there is a writer in all of us and blogging allows you to become an overnight published author! As soon as you hit publish, people around the world will stumble across your blog. How many readers you get depends upon your content and how much effort you put into promoting your blog.
You can control who you allow to see your blog in terms of public, family or invited friends.
You can add pictures, videos and write about anything you choose.
You can allow or deny readers the ability to leave comments about your posts.
There are numerous Blogger communities that you can join to publicise your blog and chat online to fellow bloggers. You can even get paid for blogging! It's kind of addictive, so don't say you haven't been warned.
When you get your first reader comment and you realise people around the world ARE actually reading what you write, you are hooked!
What do I write about?Whatever you like. It could be a family blog in diary form. It could be your chance to rant about religion and politics. You could write about your hobby or share cookery tips! It really is entirely up to you. As long as you abide by the rules of the company hosting the blog you can write about what you wish.
How much does it cost?I use Blogger.com and it doesn't cost me a penny aside from Internet connection fee's etc.
Meanwhile for blogger.com's explanation of 'what is a blog' see
HERE.Good luck and enjoy.
