This week we will talk about weblogs, a.k.a. blogs.
What is a blog?
How is a blog different from a “traditional” website?
Do you follow or read any blogs regularly?
Blogs are types of websites. They are defined by specific subjects or topics and by interactive features such as people registering to post comments and to connect with others, including the blog author.
You will notice now that main “traditional” websites have adopted “bloggy” features such as blog posts, comment forums, and links to social media for people to share information.
When the internet became more and more mainstream, blogs became a way for people to self-publish and to communicate with a large audience. Prior to that it was really only possible to do that through TV, radio, newspapers, and ads. Blogs empower their authors by enabling them to reach and connect with people.
By taking the media into their own hands, blog authors and their followers helped give rise to the social media world we now live in. Going online isn’t a passive experience where information is spoon-fed to an audience. It’s an interactive experience where people choose the information/media they want to consume, produce, and share.
We will talk more about social media and why it’s important in web development on Thursday.
How to Start a Blog
If you decide to start a blog you could literally do it in about five minutes. Popular FREE blogging platforms include Google sites, Blogger, WordPress, and Tumblr.
Local Blog Examples
Assignment
Please visit the Boston Blogs Directory and choose one blog you like to share with the rest of the class. I will give you a few minutes to find a blog and jot down some notes on why you like it.