Blogging questions and answers for beginners
"What is a blog?"
A blog is an author entry
oriented, virtual journal or an online diary. In simpler terms, a personal blog
could be considered as an Internet log of a person's thoughts, feelings and
opinions.
"Where did the word blog originate?"
Originally, the word weblog,
coined by Jorn Barger in 1998, was used to suggest that a person was logging
the web (1) or more accurately to depict logging or documenting something on
the web. The word blog was coined by Robert Merholz, as an abbreviated form of
the word weblog. (2)
"What does the expression
to blog mean?"
The expression to blog,
suggests that a person is putting information on a weblog or blog,
adding additional content to an already existing blog or perhaps maintaining his or
her blog, in some way.
"What are some of the more common features found on blogs?"
These may include ongoing
commentaries or documentaries about various subjects of concern, news related
items of interest, opinions on certain things, thoughts and feelings about
current issues, social events, political agendas or cultural problems.
A blog may be maintained as a
personal blog or expanded into a family blog. It may be created as a
social blog that allows networking for a community of like-minded individuals.
Sometimes, blogs are used by authors and poets, in order to publish their
works online. There are numerous, professional blogs used only for business purposes.
"What kind of a format
does a blog have?"
A blog consists of a series of
ongoing web pages that are interlinked and displayed in reverse order, although
they can be in chronological order. It may contain a variety of images, text
links or web site address links for other, pertinent web pages or web
sites. It may also contain advertising. The content displayed depends upon the
author's personal preference. The blog may be closed or open to the public. The
content may be entered in the form of text only or expanded to include digital
photography, graphics and videos.
"Are blogs something new
or different, for our era?"
Millions of people have kept
journals of various kinds, over the past generations. What is new and different
is the reality that more and more people are keeping their journals online. There
is a growing, international trend towards blogs, because more people are
learning the basics about how to use computers. On the horizon of time, it
appears to be more realistic, feasible and practical to use the Internet for
compiling documents. Hand written and typed documents are decreasing in numbers.
Blogs are increasing in popularity, because people around the world perceive
their merit.
Blogging is one more way to have increased global outreach. It is
an excellent way to communicate effectively with others, immediately. Education
is enhanced through teachers and students blogging together.
"How can I present a
professional appearing blog?"
Consider the following
suggestions, if you are creating a blog for the first time.
A blog should allow and
encourage freedom of speech for others, should always
maintain a high standard of academic excellence, should disclose
essential information, but not excess personal information, should reflect
your thoughts, opinions and values accurately and should be
something that you will be proud of sharing with others.
"Does it cost anything to
set up a blog?"
Setting up a blog does not cost
any money, depending upon where one chooses to set it up. There are many, free
blog sites that are now becoming available to the public. There are blog sites
that do charge, so it is advisable to make a serious inquiry before
setting up a blog, on any site. It is possible to set up one's own blog by
purchasing a domain name
"Does a blog pay?"
There are blogs that do pay,
but these will have terms and conditions that will include agreements to allow
advertising, which generates income for the author. Most blogs do not generate
income.
"How many blogs can I
have?"
There is no limit to the number
of blogs one can have, so it is possible to set up several blogs for
different content.
Spending time doing serious Internet research about blogs and blogging is a good idea, when one is
interested in starting a blog, for the first time. It is wise to discuss
blogging with others who have set up blogs already.
Blogging is a relatively new
international phenomenon, so feel free to join bloggers everywhere and enjoy
blogging.
2. Ibid.
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