What the heck is a "blog"?
If you haven't already, you're going to hear me refer to this site (and my other sites) as a "blog". You may be asking yourself, "what the heck is a blog?" You'd have a good question.
"Blog" is short for "web log". It's a type of site that is frequently updated, like an online journal, newspaper, etc. There are several different blog publishing tools to make it easier to have a blog - we use Blogger.com. This site is a blog. The act of posting to a blog is known as blogging. Someone who posts to a blog is known as a blogger.
Here is an excerpt from Blogger.com's Help topic - What is a blog?:
I know it sounds kind of funny and geeky, but blogging is one of the biggest things on the Internet. Bloggers are covering the Democratic and Republican National Conventions. Microsoft recently started encouraging its employees to blog. So even though you might feel a little self-conscious at first referring to your family blog, or calling yourself a blogger, hopefully you'll get over it, because you're part of the Next Big Thing on the Internet.
A blog is a web page made up of usually short, frequently updated posts that are arranged chronologically — like a what's new page or a journal. The content and purposes of blogs varies greatly — from links and commentary about other web sites, to news about a company/person/idea, to diaries, photos, poetry, mini-essays, project updates, even fiction. Blog posts are like instant messages to the web. Many blogs are personal, "what's on my mind" type musings. Others are collaborative efforts based on a specific topic or area of mutual interest. Some blogs are for play. Some are for work. Some are both. Blogs are also excellent team/department/company/family communication tools. They help small groups communicate in a way that is simpler and easier to follow than email or discussion forums. Use a private blog on an intranet to allow team members to post related links, files, quotes, or commentary. Set up a family blog where relatives can share personal news. A blog can help keep everyone in the loop, promote cohesiveness and group culture, and provide an informal "voice" of a project or department to outsiders.
I know it sounds kind of funny and geeky, but blogging is one of the biggest things on the Internet. Bloggers are covering the Democratic and Republican National Conventions. Microsoft recently started encouraging its employees to blog. So even though you might feel a little self-conscious at first referring to your family blog, or calling yourself a blogger, hopefully you'll get over it, because you're part of the Next Big Thing on the Internet.
