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First off, let’s define blog (n.) (and) and blogging (v). The number one new citation in Merriam Webster in 2004: blog: a web site that contains an online personal journal with reflections, comments and often hyperlinks provided by the writer. Web Log: Weblog is an application containing periodic posts on a common Web page with comments and additions by readers. These are often posted in reverse chronological order, but not necessarily. The vast numbers of Blogs have been doubling for the last few quarters. As of October 2004, they number over eight million, with close to five million remaining active. There were 1.5 million new blogs in the last 30 days alone. In Korea, even with government suppression of news, free thought and opinions, there are estimated to be over 10 million blogs. A January 2005 Google search brought up more than 37 million sites. With that many blogs, it’s safe to assume that most are not worth the cyberspace they occupy. The bulk are boring, offensive self indulgences, produced by those with axes to grind, prejudice to spew, porn to peddle and all without the oversight of gatekeepers and editors that newspapers, magazines, book publishers and broadcasters provide. Not withstanding the above, why are Blogs important? They are an easy, fast and cheap path to micropublishing that can attract a global audience or can be private and password protected, for an audience of only one. All you need to blog is a computer, PDA or phone, Internet access, and blogging software. Several sources of blogging software are Typepad, Movabletype, Wordpress, Livejournal, A search for Blogging software will bring up many more. A dedicated Web site, www.Bloger.com, gives a live demo on how to setup a blog. The key to having your Blog discovered is to submit your efforts to search engines, so when you post, several sites are automatically notified. Most blogs allow for comments; sometimes the com-ments are better than the post. As blog creator, comments can be turned off or the commenter can be blocked. There are many reasons to set up a blog: exhibit your expertise; promote your business; publish your club newsletter; self-publish your writing; post your resume; even make some money.... It’s time to get on board the virtual bulletin board of unedited personal opinions about almost everything. Almost two-thirds of people still don’t know what a blog is, but readership is up 58%; 32 million read blogs, more than 8 million have created a blog, and 14 million have posted comments. Blogs worth looking at include: Local: Others: Keeping up with the news: I want to thank Mike for steering me to the website that has 40+ slides and the outline of his February presentation: www.MarketingWeasel.com Mike Kaltschnee can be reached at MikeK@hackingnetflix.com |
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Long time member, Mike Kaltschnee, our speaker for
the February meeting, introduced us to the rapidly growing world
of Web logging. As an aside, I find it a pleasure when one of
our DACS members present a subject they are passionate about,
without the always underlying sales message that accompanies
most meetings.