What is a “blog” and “blogging”?

This post is meant to help newbie bloggers or those interested in starting a blog and wish to know exactly what it means, and to an extent, understand what blogging is all about.

 A blog (shortened from the phrase “weblog”) is known as many things—a digital magazine, diary, newscast, collector’s meeting place, a showcase for your art, information sharing, teaching hub, place to learn and...well, almost anything you want it to be. A typical blog combines text, images, videos and links to relevant pages and media on the web. Blog readers can leave comments and communicate with the author. In fact, dialogue and interaction are a popular part of a blog’s success.

 Darren Rowse, one of the best-known and earliest bloggers defined blog as a website that is usually arranged in chronological order from the most recent post (or entry) at the top of the main page to the older entries towards the bottom.

In the blogging world, you have the word “blog” (an online journal), “blogger” (the person who owns and contributes to a blog) and “blogging” (the act of creating content for the blog). You can be a “blogger blogging on a blog,” a “blog about a blogger blogging” or a “blogging blog about a blogger.”

One of the great things about blogging is the impact it has made on communication throughout the world. Blogs can report news as it happens, hold mainstream media to higher standards and provide specific news and information to meet niche interests.

Here are the most popular styles and types of blogs:

Personal blogs: Personal blogs share thoughts, original art, poems, writing or photography. Some sell custom crafts, art or products. If you just want to make a statement, show your DIY (do it yourself) skills, have fun or blog for therapy, a personal blog is perfect for your needs.

Business blogs: These are created in the voice of the company, as a crucial component of marketing. They can function as a direct-sales tool and are outstanding for both messaging and two-way communication as part of a company’s public relations efforts. Blogs are effective and cost-efficient vehicles for small organizations that need to publish information

for their customers or members.

Niche/topical blogs: This focus on a particular interest. They can be about health, gardening, education, sports, fashion or lifestyle. Name your special interest and you can blog about it. If you are a collector of antiques, a true-mystery fan, a travel addict or just love

cooking, there may be a blog in your future. Niche blogs easily attract loyal followers, which contributes to the fun of blogging.

Media-type blogs:  Are defined by their content. If you enjoy video blogging, then you’re a vlogger. If you curate content from other websites, you have a link log. If you post photos or art sketches on your blog, you’re hosting a photo blog or art blog.

Reverse blogs: Are a unique but popular type of blog. Instead of the owner creating content, the content is supplied by the public. A reverse blog has a team who moderate posts, prevent unpleasant interactions and promote slow topics for greater interactivity.

While these are the most popular types of blogs, there are many more to discover. There are also community blogs, non-profit blogs, live- webcam blogs, live-gaming screen cast blogs, device-type blogs, podcast blogs, various video blogs and many, many others. But most importantly, you need to learn the difference between a blog and a static website. In order to learn the basics of the online presence, I recommend that newbies should start with a blog. But if you are looking to promote your online business (or to start a new one) then it is better to learn how to make a website instead.