What's a Blog?

You probably have heard the term blog thrown around these days. But what is a blog and why all the hype? Well, I can’t answer the latter, but I’ll do my best for the former. Blog is a contraction of “Web Log,” and in it’s most basic sense is an online journal or diary.

While that does not sound too exciting in and of itself, it is what people do with their blogs that make them so. Certainly many people keep online diaries to share with their friends and families. But there are thousands of different categories of blogs. Arts & entertainment, automotive, business, computers, military, news, pets, technology (an online version of this article can be found on my blog: gonetwave.com/support) and many, many more. This may seem like a lot of useless content at first glance; and while much of it can be, there is also a lot more to it that some ramblings by an unknown geek, this column notwithstanding. There are several different types of blogs too: in addition to your standard blog there are vlog (video blog) and photoblogs. Of course, there are blogs the world over, and you can find a blog in just about any country in just about any language.

Companies, not just individuals, are jumping on the blog band wagon. There are many blogs from companies you already know: CNN, ESPN, The New York times and more. There are blogs for movies, bands, magazines and books. But some of the most interesting blogs come from people you most likely have never heard of. How about a soldier’s perspective on the war in Iraq? Or a local’s perspective on the best place to eat in New York City?

Blogs aren’t just for fun either. Many people make money on their blogs via advertisements, click throughs and product blogging—selling goods on your blog. Movie blogs can generate buzz and promote a movie before it is even released. Social blogs can even help you find a date.

Estimates vary greatly, but there are easily 3.5 million blogs out on the internet today. That’s a lot of information being plugged into the “blogoshpere” on a daily basis. Why not check some of them out and see what the hype is all about? Here are a few of my favorites: LiquorSnob.com, Slashdot.org, Wonkette.com and Cinematical.com. Want to start your own blog? You can start one today by using any number of free services such as blogger.com or blog.com.

Posted by Net Wave at July 10, 2006 06:39 PM