Computer Bytes - No. 21 You've probably heard the word Blog being used . . . but do you know what it means? A blog is a relatively new word which was formed by the joining two existing words and combining their meanings. The two words combined to make Blog were Web Log which describes a blog very well. In simplest terms, it is a daily log of occurrences posted on the web. The blog of today evolved from what started out as simple on-line diaries. The earliest diaries or logs were written in chronological order but displayed in reverse order so the most current entry was the first to be seen at the top of the writer's log. These early pages were nothing more than updated components of web pages. However, today a blog can be anything from a personal diary, to the posting of a breaking-news story, to a collection of favorite links, your own private musings, or anything else you might want to put before the world. Blogs are usually updated daily or at the very least on a regular basis to keep them current. Visitors can then leave comments about the blog postings or possibly email the blogger if the visitor so chooses. Over the last twelve years blogs have expanded in many different directions. Not only can they be of a personal nature, but also businesses, politicians and journalists have made use of the wide-spread, instant communication capabilities of blogs. In some cases, blogging has gone so far as to impact political elections and policies, as well as the posting of major news stories before they've hit the mainstream television news outlets. Two of the larger platforms for blogging that you may have heard of are MySpace.com and YouTube.com. There are also many other sites that allow you to register and blog for free. Having your own voice on the web gives you the opportunity to share your thoughts - political or otherwise, post links to websites you like, or upload pictures or videos of your choosing. Remember that blogging puts you in front of the world and not just family and friends will be viewing your pictures and posts. If this seems a bit much, you can still have a blog but with limited access where not just anyone anywhere can respond to your postings. With millions of blogs now on the web, there are many types of references and aids available to help you design, create and maintain your blog, either through books, websites or computer programs that you can purchase. Since its inception, blogging has had a significant impact on politics, communications, personal expression and journalism itself. Simply put a Blog is whatever you want it to be. There are millions of them on the Internet and for now there are no rules…so proceed with caution. Note: I don't recommend downloading any programs off the web to create your blog site, but if you must download, please read Computer Bytes No. 11 that deals with virus threats. Moncrief Web2 Home Page Moncrief Web Design Computer Bytes Index Web Design | Search Engine Optimization | Site Maintenance & Management | Request Information | About Us ~ Sample Sites Send Us an Email | Home Page Copyright 2007-2008. All rights reserved. Computer Bytes articles may not be reprinted, published, quoted, copied, or used in any manner whatsoever without the expressed written permission of David Moncrief.