The Different Faces of Blogging
Blogging, derived from the expression web-logging, has become an increasingly popular behavior these days.
In the year 2009, is there still a reason in having to explain blogging? I highly doubt it. The vast majority of individuals already know that blogging is. But to those who are unfamiliar with the term: what is blogging? Blogging generally means having a personal diary online which is shared with everyone. Some individuals who create 10 blog posts a day, others write a blog post every two months or so. In fact, millions of people are blogging every day, and some are in fact, are making a decent living out of it.
Many ask what is the appeal of that? Exhibitionism? Yes, to some that is the case. To other people blogging means being able to share stories. To other it means to share professional experiences and network: there are many professional blogs in basically every niche one can think of: internet marketing, cooking, cars, classic cars, insurance, health, GPS satellites, personal computers, back pain, stomach pain, headaches, chronic fatigue and so on.
I have a friend with this type of a professional blog where he shares certain experiences he discovers throughout his days (he is a manager). I have an additional friend that has a personal blog in which he shares personal anecdotes about his life and family (he has three toddlers at home: consequently, much to share). I have a friend with a funny blog, where he share all the funny stories he hears of. I even know someone with a photo blog where he shares a new – and amazing – photo every single day. I also knew a someone who had a specialized version of a photoblog he used to share pictures of all the meals he ever ate. Yes, the blogging arena is extremely varied.
The point is that this relatively new media offers alternatives that until recently had not existed. In other words, blogging in the 21st century version of journalism. It allows anyone to open a PC, write an article, and basically become a journalist whose stories can potentially be read by millions. While this carries with it a lot of responsibilities, it is also a great tool for free speech and freedom of information.