Adventure outdoors, then go tell the world...
Most Internet users have almost certainly heard the term "Blog" before, and you might have a rough idea of what a Blog is. The word Blog itself is a contraction of "web log", so if we looked at an actual definition of the term then a Blog is a web-based log, or diary, of your thoughts, ideas, useful links, photos, videos, or the latest news. Its probably fair to say that this column, if it were only online, would be a form of Blog - I do some research and then write about what's on my mind. Blogging has started to enter a realm of its own, as recently it has been moving from a fad to becoming an industry. We see thousands of people entering the Blogosphere daily, every day. Blogging used to go by various other names, and previously a Blog would have been called a diary, journal, scrapbook, or even story writing. It is important to understand the difference between a website and a Blog. The evolution from website to Blog has changed how people communicate, and is changing how journalism is done. Let's look at the development of Blogs to help you learn more about Blogging, and about the difference between and website and a Blog.
Generally a website is a bunch of web pages on a server that provide a sort of billboard of information that is focussed on specific information. A website can be a collection of articles, news, links, information, photos, facts and almost anything you want (not to confuse things, but a website can even host a Blog!). A website is more about serious information. A Blog on the other hand, is probably about less serious information. The great thing about a Blog is that anyone can start one and write one. It's straight-forward thing to do. Here's how you do it:
-
Find a decent blogging provider. Check out a few and pick one that appeals to you. See further down for my recommendations. Most don't require much technical know-how.
-
Sign up with the site you prefer and pick a ready-made templates and colour scheme.
-
Decide if you want your blog to be private or public. In other words, do you want anyone on the Internet to be able to read your blog, or do you just want your friends and family to be able to read it? Most blog sites let you password-protect your blog so only those you choose can read it.
-
After you've done this basic setup start to write! At first it might not seem easy to know what to write about, so start with something easy, for example write about your day, your thoughts, ideas, fears, joys or anything that's on your mind!
-
Publish your blog by sending the web address to your family and friends, or publish it on your website if you have one. Add your blog address to posts you make on other blogs.
-
You're done! Get into a Blogging routine. If you update your blog frequently, more people will visit regularly to read it, and in turn more people will read your posts.
Popular Blog publishing sites to try:
Sites to help you improve your Blog:
Keep blogging, and pretty soon you'll be writing the NetSmart column! Enjoy.
Home
News & Articles
