A General Tutorial to Blogging

Blogging, derived from the expression web-logging, has become a widely popular behavior nowadays.

In the year 2009, is there really still a reason in having to explain blogging? I highly doubt it. Most people already know that blogging is. But to those who are unfamiliar with the expression: what is blogging? Blogging basically means having an online personal diary which is shared with everyone. There are people write 10 blog posts a day, others write a blog post every month or so. In fact, countless of people are blogging each and every day, and some are actually making a decent living out of it.

Some inquire what is the appeal of that? Exhibitionism? It’s possible that to some that is the case. To other people blogging means being able to share stories. To other it means to share work experiences as well as network: there are many professional blogs in basically every subject one can imagine: internet marketing, cooking, cars, classic cars, GPS satellites, health, insurance, personal computers, back pain, stomach pain, headaches, chronic fatigue and so on.

I have an acquaintance with such a professional blog where he shares certain experiences he has learned throughout his days (he is a manager). I have a friend with a personal blog in which he tells personal anecdotes about his life and family (he has 2 toddlers at home: consequently, much to say). I have a friend that has a funny blog, where he share all the funny stories he hears of. I even have a friend with a photoblog where he posts a new – and beautiful – photo every single day. I also knew a someone who had a specialized version of a photo blog: he used to share pictures of all the meals he ever ate. Indeed, the blogging arena is extremely varied.

The point is that this relatively new media offers alternatives that until long ago never existed. In other words, blogging in the 21st century new cousin of journalism. It allows everyone to open a personal computer, write an article, and essentially become a journalist whose stories can potentially be read by millions. While this comes with a plenty responsibilities, it is also a great tool for free speech and freedom of information.