BLOGS

Introduction

Blogs (short for weblogs), are websites that anyone with computer access can create to publish online personal journals or diaries. While most blogs take the journal format, some also go further and provide commentary or information on a particular subject such as food, politics or local news. However, personal journals are by far the most popular way of writing a blog, with millions of people around the world using them as a way to share their thoughts, feelings or everyday lives with the world at large. A large number of Australian teenagers host blogs and this is discussed will be further below.

The personal journal is a well known method for individuals to engage in reflective thought, but blogging presents a way of taking it to another level, as it is a way for individuals to publish material on at no cost on a global scale. Some of the reasons that people blog are for self development, to improve their writing skills, as a way of collecting information or developing an expertise on specific subjects, for making and extending relationships or for building a community with people who share similar interests. For others the blog serves a social need to share - information, advice or experience in the name of social responsibility or caring.

Blog Overview

In order to become a ‘blogger’, you firstly need to locate a blog hosting provider, which is as easy as doing an Internet search. Commonly utilised websites are www.blogger.com, www.blgosome.com or http://spaces.msn.com/. Some have charges attached to their use, but most are free. Once you join a provider you name your blog, add information about yourself such as favourite movies, books or interests and add any video, audio or pictures of your choosing. Most blogs tend to be a mixture of text, links to other sites and pictures.

Each time you wish to update your blog, say add some information or make a comment, you do what is known as ‘making a post.’ This is done by clicking a button on the blogsite which brings up an area, (somewhat like an email) in which you are able to share your thoughts. Anybody reading your blog is free to comment on anything you have written and the choice is generally there for them to do this anonymously. While the people that visit the blog are able to post or comment, only the blog owner or editor can initiate new subjects or frame discussion