Blogging

Definition of a Blog: a shared on-line journal where people can post diary entries about their personal experiences and hobbies; and postings on a blog are usually in chronological order.Blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject, such as food, politics, or local news; some function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic. The ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of most early blogs. Blogs are replacing the old fasioned way of recording events in peoples l;ives: instead of people writing a diary, they use online diaries instead.

Different types of blogs:

• Vlog: video log


• Linklog: one including links


• Sketchblog: a portfolio of sketches


• Photo blog: a blog comprising of photos


• Tumblelog: shorter posts and mixed media types


• Moblog: a blog created by a mobile phone or PDA
  

Key producers of blogs:

• The main social group that use blogging are teenagers and young people, this is mainly because they were raised as a computer generation and are very comfortable with using computers and publicly express their views. Older generations have also begun to take on the concept of blogging.


• Blogging can also be an effective tool for businesses to use. Blogs can be used either internally for communication between staff or externally for marketing, branding or PR purposes. These are called corporate blogs.

Why blogs are popular with producers:

• It allows them to feel as though they are producing the media, they are participating actively, and can become like online journalists, who comment on news, politics, entertainment etc.


• It allows freedom of expression, there is no copyrighting, as there is on websites, or moderation as there is on forums.


• They can customize their blog


• It is a free, quick and easy way of publishing views


• It gives consumers the opportunity to discuss more niche subjects and still find people who share their interest.

Why blogs are popular with consumers:

• It allows them to read the opinions of others, either people that they know personally or people that they don’t, often on subjects that it is hard to find information about in the mainstream media.


• It can allow them almost instant information about news events or television programmes.


• They can feel part of an online community, commenting on other users blogs and expressing their opinions as well.


• Many readers of blog users prefer the informal, casual and opinionated views presented by regular people rather than newsreaders, journalists etc.

Technologies involved:

• The main technology involved in blogging is, of course, the internet


• Users can upload:
  1. Pictures
  2. Music
  3. Videos
  4. Games
  5. Graphics
  6. From mobile platforms such as PDA’s