Blogs? What Are They?

A blog is essentially a web-based journal. Because it’s web-based (known as a a web log, hence the name blog), it can also include photos and multimedia which allows its readers to add notes and comments to what they read. In essence, a blog can be classified as a “building block”!

Our cyberspace is full of blogs and for every blog that is out there, there are most likely numerous other blogs out there talking about the same topic. The terminology for this is “blogosphere”. But not all blogs stand alone. They can include clips from and links to outside content and other blogs.

Blogging gives you the ability to comment on other people’s writing and allows you to share your thoughts freely.

Many bloggers include extensive links to other blogs—or a “blogroll”— on their sites. You can find a blog that interests you and then explore similar blogs that are also listed . Bloggers often love to share news from their friends’ blogs, or talk about their partner’s or children’s’ blogs, which may deal with completely different subjects.

Blogging is a great way to learn more, directly from specialists, about specific subjects, or to converse online with people who share your interests. But you should use common sense when posting, and be cautious about anyone you or your children meet online.

Christine Watson christine@marquetteturner.com.au