An abbreviation for “web log”, as a noun, effectively used as a journal on a web site where an individual or group of users record opinions, information, etc. on a regular basis.
The term ‘blog’ can also be used as a verb, which describes the act of maintaining or adding content to a blog page.
Many good quality blogs are dynamic and interactive, allowing visitors to leave comments and it is this interactivity that distinguishes a blog from a static website. Blogging can therefore be regarded as a form of social networking. Bloggers use this method of communication not only to produce content but also to build social relationships with their readers and customers.
Blogs have a variety of functions:
- To provide commentary and information on a particular subject
- As a personal online diary / journal
- As online brand advertising for an individual or a company
A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic.
Types of Blogs
Most blogs are primarily text-based, although some focus on art (art blog), photographs (photoblog), videos (video blogging or vlogging), music (MP3 blog), and audio (podcasting). Microblogging is another type of blogging, featuring very short posts.
As at February 2011 there were over 156 million public blogs online. (Statistics from “BlogPulse”. The Nielsen Company. February 16, 2011)
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