For the uninitiated, a Blog is an online journal. The term Blog comes from an abbreviation of web log.

This is a perfect time to start a blog because http:/www.blogspot.com has a brand new version out that you can link to your google account name.

Or if you already use their blogging format, they will migrate all your existing blogs to their new Beta version. This has more click and drop features.

Just follow the steps on http://beta.blogger.com .

Namely, name your blog, pick a template you like, and add your first post. Now you can add tags to your posts as well.

I've made Blogs on http://www.tribe.net , http://www.livejournal.com/, http://www.deadjournal.com/, and http://www.journalspace.com/. They all vary a bit, but each of them has a free version where you can learn the ropes. If you prefer posting photos to writing text, you might consider making a photo blog over on http://www.flickr.com/.

I haven't really been able to get into http://www.myspace.com/. I know a lot of other people like it, so check it out too.

Yahoo has a version as well called 360. https://login.yahoo.com/config/login_verify2?.done=http%3A%2F%2F360.yahoo.com%2F&.src=360&.intl=us

There are new ones popping up every day. These are just some of the most popular.

1. Self-expression

2. You feel like ranting and don't want to dump on your friends, family and co-workers.

3. You want to have a topic specific blog and meet others that share your interest.

4. You just love designing pages.

5. You're competitive and want to have a better blog than the rest of the people you hang out with.

6. You want to share your poetry with the world but you are too chicken to do it in person.

7. You want to sound computer savvy by telling people, 'Oh yes, I have a blog."

8. You have an agenda and want to tell the whole world about vegetarianism, Buddha, astrology or your penguin hobby.

9. You are often up at 3 AM and have no one else to talk to.

10. You are a writer. A writer is one who writes. You can write in a blog and get published instantly.

There is a remote chance of fame and glory and riches.