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It depends on the dictionary you refer to!
The simplest definition, and technically the most accurate one I have come across so far is from the Princeton Dictionary which explains blogging as ‘the action of reading, writing or editing a shared online journal.’ This definition explains as well as raises many questions in a new blogger’s mind…some of which I have tried to answer:
1. So, how is blogging different from writing in my diary?
Blogging is done online.
2. Online? So I need to been tech-savvy?
Yes, you do. A bit. You need to know how to use a simple word processing package, have an email address and basic internet usage knowledge.
3. That’s easy…but where do I write/blog?
You can choose from multiple free blogging platforms where you need to create your account and start blogging. According to CNET, a leading tech news site, the top 5 blogging platforms are:
- Blogger
- Word Press
- TypePad
- Tripod
- Squarespace
The first three are very popular and have millions of users (already!). Setting up a blog account is easy as there are templates to choose from. For a high-impact blog you might like some personalization and we will discuss that a bit later
4. All right, I get it. But why is blogging becoming popular?
Thanks to the ‘human’ nature of blogging, people are being able to read, connect, and opine about many topics online with people based in multiple locations around the globe with the help of blogs. User-generated content has made blogs and the act of blogging very popular and in many ways it is almost viral.
5. I have a blog set up and now have writers’ block!
Blogging is very natural. It is basically writing that what you feel. It can be about a specific subject you are good at, something you firmly believe in, or even a political or economical view point you would like to share. Some of the key factors for blogging success include easy style of writing, meaningful content and a sense of humour!
Apart from these questions on blogging, there are some technical terms which also need explaining:
a) Comments are responses posted by readers on your blog. These can be moderated or instant depending on your preference.
b) Trackback is basically quoting another blog but allowing a virtual link to exist between the two.
c) Pingback also allows bloggers to include information of other people’s blog posts and connect the two.
d) Permalink is a permanent link to a blog and is best written with the topic included in the link address for ex…www.learn.com/what-is-blogging.
e) Plugins are software tools which give new features to your blog. These are usually free and let you add more interactivity on the blog. Conducting a poll, including some more info links are some of the most commonly used plugins available.
The best way to learn your way around blog-town is to get started and research any of the areas you get stuck in. You will be surprised to find number of blogs that are designed to help first time bloggers and offer some very helpful advice complete with step-by-step guides.
Blogging is a good way to express yourself, give vent to your emotions, and be creative. In fact, many professionals use a blog to share their knowledge base and have also managed to convert this activity into a profit making activity. In fact, there are so many blogs now-a-days that it is mindboggling!
By Kavita
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Very nice post I think that just jumping in can put you in a pickle down the road but it is definitely the best way to learn.
While I previously didnt think owning a domain and hosting was important my view has changed on that recently as well. You should definitely spend the $10 for a domain when you set up a blog so that you can start building up stats right off the bat… Hosting can wait sometimes though.
Blogging is so simple that it’s unbelievable. You can actually do it without any prior experience or planning at all, granted reading up on tips like these will give you a better foundation than just jumping into it. Anyone who is thinking about blogging should give it a whirl!
Even after blogging for several months I still don’t fully understand what a ping back is even though I’ve seen it a few different places. This is the first time I’ve ever even seen someone mention them in a post about blogging so way to go Kavita.