What is a blog?

Many of us have become familiar with the term, but sometimes the best way to begin the study of a subject is by simply understanding a basic definition. The word “blog” was created by combining the words web and log. As blogging became a more common practice, the word was shortened to combine the two terms. And today, nearly anyone who intends to communicate to a large number of people via the Internet has been introduced to this handy incarnation of digital communiqué.

Blogs tend to have a very tight target audience, but in practice, a number of the more popular and successful blogs don’t target at all. They simply exist and the nature of their existence attracts many types of users.

Blogs can be located in a number of ways. The two most prominent divisions of blogs probably continue to be those of subject and creator. In most instances, individuals either search for a blog on a subject or they search for a blog by a specific individual. You can find blogs on nearly any subject from news, to practices, to lifestyles. You can probably find a blog on the subject of people also. For example nearly any celebrity you choose may in fact have an official blog, but they’ve probably have a few unofficial blogs that disseminate information about them as well. Blogging has become so common that you're just as likely to find a blog from a soldier in Iraq as you are one featuring your neighbor.

The format of a blog allows for the up-to-date presentation of information in a nearly limitless medium (text, video, graphics, etc.). You can read about things occurring the very same day, practically in real time. Blogging also allows you to find multiple sources on the same subject, many with differing opinions. Each of these elements combines to create an effective tool for the communication of information for people from beginners to professionals.

If you want to find a particular blog. you need only take a look using you favorite search engine. There a number of search engines specifically designed for blogs. There are also a number of helpful sites if you are interested in taking your first steps into the world of blogging. Some of the services you’ll find to host your blog will probably have information about setting up your first blog also.

So take a look around and you’ll pick up the detailed lingo in no time (vlog, mini-blogging, etc.). Don’t be intimidated: blogging can be fun and there is much information out there on how to get started. If you need to, find a list of bloggers you like and emulate (but not copy) their style. Truth be told, if they're pulling in hundreds, thousands or even millions of people every month, they're probably doing something right.