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Blogging is hot, and seems to be becoming hotter each month.
Although blogging originally was dismissed, by many successful
publishers and other online "gurus", the truth is that now, a few
years after the "blogging trend" began, there are actually more
blogs and more bloggers online than ever before. Blogging,
obviously, is "here to stay"!
Actually first documented in 1997, Web logs initially used the
abbreviated version: wee-blog, with a Web log editor referred to as
a blogger. Since then, all types of Web logs (blogs) and blogging
software have emerged, giving rise to this lucrative and dynamic
market.
Now, everything from advertising blogs to zoology blogs exist, with
every topic in between apparent online. Political blogs are rampant,
and groups of bloggers across the globe post regularly on every
topic imaginable.
What does a blog supply that an e-zine, newsletter, or forum might
not? What has skyrocketed the popularity of the blog over the past
several years?
The
answers are really quite simple:
1.
Blogs are more highly interactive. Posters get to see the results of
a post immediately, as the post appears simultaneously after
posting. Posters also don't have the usual moderation that appears
in forums, where posts may be deleted without warning. Usually, in
blogs, more freedom is given, and posts are usually accepted no
matter what the content, or the topic.
E-zines
and newsletters, with their one sided presentation of views, have
decreased in popularity with the increase of the popularity of blogs.
2.
Blogs are easy to maintain and easy to start. The sheer volume of
choices is staggering! Everything from "blogging software" to "blogging
services" are available, and even a novice blogger will find
blogging quick and easy to do.
3.
Blogs are "Search Engine Friendly Food". Search Engines love blogs,
because of the constantly changing content that appears daily.
Search Engines are constantly "searching" for new content, and blogs
meet this requirement splendidly!
4.
Blogs are actually a lot of fun! The entertainment aspects of a blog
cannot be dismissed. A great deal of "voyeurism" exists on blogs,
where other bloggers continually monitor discussions, both pro and
con concerning an issue. Discussions on blogs can be "heated" and
interesting, with much repartee occurring daily! Blogs are a rousing
form of media, indeed, with many bloggers returning repeatedly
throughout a day to view new posts.
For
a view into popular blogs of many categories, just visit: www.blogit.com
5.
Many blogs are capable of syndication. Syndication is a great way to
ensure that your writing and your views are exposed to as much of
the general public as possible. Syndication is many times included
in blogging services now, and this has drawn individuals to the art
of blogging continuously.
For
an example of a blog service that features syndication, please
visit: www.typepad.com
6.
There are no lists to maintain, or spam filters to worry about with
blogs. This is one reason why so many writers and publishers have
turned to blogs. E-mail delivery of newsletters and e-zines has
become difficult over the past few years, with the advent of spam
filters. Blogs are not delivered, and therefore, no methods of
defeating filters are needed, and no "non-deliverables" occur, which
has been the bane of writers and publishers prior to this.
A
good blogging software exists at: www.silkblogs.com
7.
Blogs are economical. Since no lists are maintained, there are no
list server costs. Blogging software and blogging services are also
very reasonably priced, giving good value for the money spent
monthly consistently. Some blogging services charge others to
"read", while others charge writers to "write", but overall the
monthly charges are rather minimal either way.
8.
Blogs are educational. There are such a variety of informative and
educational blogs available now, that a search for any subject
usually turns up hundreds of offerings. Differing points of view on
all subjects are offered routinely, giving a reader or poster an
"insight" into the hearts and minds of other bloggers.
Blogs also, to be successful, however, need to contain the same
elements of a popular newsletter or e-zine:
A.
Compelling, well-written content. No one, either online or offline
wants to read materials that are poorly written or difficult or
boring to read.
B.
Updated material. Just as in newsletters or e-zines, if material is
not updated continually, then the audience eventually dies.
C.
Rousing topics. Topics of interest to a wide range of readers
succeed more than topics that appeal to very few, or are rather dull
topics.
D.
A nice layout and visual appeal. A blog is akin to a Web site for
written materials, and just like in the design of a Web site, every
care should be made to have the blog be visually appealing and
friendly to visitors.
Newsletters, e-zines and forums, of course, will remain. But as you
can clearly see, blogging, bloggers, and blogs themselves, have
definitely added to the "online experience" and will possibly (and
hopefully) be around for decades more!
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