What is … a Blog?
By Kalie Chamberlain
Most people who use the internet regularly may be familiar with the terms “blog” or “blogger.” But what exactly is a blog? Read on to find out more about this internet staple.
Just the Facts, Please
Blogs started as online diaries, daily or weekly “logs” maintained on the “web,” or internet. Thus, the term “blog” is a portmanteau of the words “web log.” Developed during the late 1990s, blogs are a simple self-publishing method where authors share thoughts, opinions, advice, and more on any given topic. Using free blog publishing software, anyone can write a blog and become a “blogger,” or blog writer. As of 2012, there were 156 million blogs in existence.
In a Nutshell
Blogs possess unique characteristics that make them useful and interactive. But remember—as with many internet resources, blogs are by and large published by individuals, without any standards for accuracy or completeness. So when you read a blog, just know: you are reading the opinion of an author and not an edited, fact-checked textbook.
Variety. The sheer variety of blogs is part of what makes them so unique. Personal blogs exist mainly as online diaries. Sometimes, personal blogs feature family updates and pictures for relatives who live far away. Others are instructional—cooking blogs, do-it-yourself blogs, gardening blogs. Some companies host blogs where they can advertise and promote their products or services. Celebrities, journalists, or writers might blog about political, social, or personal issues.
Interactive. Most blogs have a “comment” section where readers can post comments. This allows readers to praise, question, or even argue with the author. Some bloggers respond to comments posted by readers, and some control what comments may be posted. Finally, some blogs are hosted privately, meaning only invited readers may view them.
Format. The methods of blogging today are very different from the original blogs of the 1990s. Though the diary form blog still exists, updated with daily or weekly “posts,” or entries, a number of other formats exist. Video blogs, often called “vlogs,” feature video posts, rather than text-based posts. Art blogs and photo blogs feature pictures and minimal text. A fairly new format, microblogs (such as Tumblr, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram) feature short pieces of digital content—such as a short post, a photo, or a link.
Success. Many bloggers have achieved notoriety thanks to their blogs, such as Julie Powell, whose cooking blog-turned memoir was the basis for the 2009 film Julie & Julia. Other food bloggers have published cookbooks. Journalist Ezra Klein, who now writes for The Washington Post, began as a blogger. Whatever the format or genre, blogs are one of the most popular methods of disseminating opinions, facts, and popular trends on the worldwide web.