Even though 77% of active internet users read blogs many people still wonder “what is a blog?” I know this question is looking for a little more than just “a website anyone can create to share their thoughts, news, and opinions.” So, lets take a deeper look at blogs and what you need to do to if you are interested in starting one.
Introduction to Blogs
Short for “web log” a blog is a tool that provides the user with an easy way to publish their thoughts in a public forum. In contrast to older forms of publishing, blogs are created and maintained digitally so entries can be published quickly and easily using any one of a number of blogging platforms. Additionally, due in part to the limited expense associated with blogging, users have the freedom and flexibility to publish on their own terms. Unlike publishing a book or an article in a journal or magazine, the author of a blog can set their own pace for adding entries, or posts. Blogs are created by individuals, groups, and companies to share additional information about products, ideas, services, etc. For the most part, blogs are relatively informal which differentiates them from other websites. For additional information on how to create a blog and how people use blogs check out the featured video, Blogs in Plain English, in the purple box to the right.
How to start a blog
If you are interested in starting your own blog there are a few platforms you can use. I suggest Wordpress because I have found it to be quick, easy, and have a variety of optional add-ins that make the basic functionality even better. Additionally, WordPress gives you the option to host it on their network or to download the software and host it yourself. If you choose to host your blog with WordPress they will assign you an internet address/URL and you will need to adhere to their terms of service. If you host the blog yourself, you will need to secure your own internet address/URL and web host, but you have total freedom. I have chosen to host this blog myself and purchased my internet address and hosting services from Ecamel.com. Ecamel.com also provided me with the ability to load Wordpress directly from their site which made the install process very easy.
When I started with WordPress I found the video below incredibly helpful even though it features a WordPress hosted blog. It’s by Chris Abraham from Abraham & Harrison and is not only informative, but a little entertaining. I know it’s 45 minutes, but it will answer all of your questions including how to create a WordPress blog, creating your profile, creating a blog post, content tips, etc.
If your company is using Sharepoint as their intranet platform you can also use it to create a blog. It’s a great option because you won’t have to worry about hosting services and so on because it has already been taken care of! The only issue that you might find is that your IT Department has turned the blogging functionality off. This was the case in my old company. I have my thoughts on dealing working with IT to support social media tools, but that will have to wait for another blog post. Nevertheless, here’s a great video that demonstrates how you can use Sharepoint to host your blog.
Once you have selected your blogging software and hosting, the rest is simple. The software will basically walk you though the steps to personalize your blog and create your first blog post. If you have more questions, I refer you back to Chris’ 45 minute video above (I told you – it will answer all of your questions). But, I can tell you from experience, the best way to understand blogging is to start a blog yourself. If I can leave you with one “to do list” item today it is JUST START BLOGGING. Blog about anything even if it isn’t for your job. Blog about your family, your cat, your upcoming vacation… but just start. You will learn so much and you will find this real life experience useful when you try to explain why blogs are valuable learning tools.
Best,
P.S. Interested in finding more people who are blogging about education? Take a look at the International Edubloggers Directory.
