Blogs

Simply put, a weblog, also known as a blog, is a Web site in which journal entries are posted on a regular basis. Blogs can be used for commentary, personal reflection, information, gossip and other topics such as political campaigns. The entries appear on the Web site in reverse chronological order and are available for the public to see and leave comments. A person who post entries and contributes to a blog is called a “blogger”. Bloggers most often use text in their blogs, but some of the other available features they might have are pictures, videos, music and often hyperlinks to connect the reader to other blogs or Web sites. For a more in-depth look into blogs and how they work, check out this entertaining YouTube video explaining Blogs in Plain English.

The inventor of the very first blog is still unknown, but the term “weblog” was coined by Jorn Barger in 1997. The word “blog” was not coined until 1999 when Peter Merholz broke up Bargers term into the two words “we blog”. Since then, the term has gained popularity and is used as both a noun and a verb. Here are some Important Blogging Statistics about blogs and their growing popularity in the United States.

There are many different genres in the world of blogging. Listed here are just a few.
--The most common type of blog is the personal blog. This type is used as a journal or diary where people can post about their daily experiences, thoughts, complaints, and much more. Visit Audrey Caroline's Personal Blog for one mom’s touching story.
-- Political blogs, which are often difficult to control, are also being used more often in campaigns to discuss issues and get feedback regarding elections and candidates. Visit the McCain 2008 Blog for an example.
-- Corporate blogs such as Coca-Cola's are used to promote businesses and their image as well as communicate internally and externally with employees and consumers.
-- Celebrity gossip blogs such as Perez Hilton's is also a popular way for people to read up on their favorite celebs and events in Hollywood.
--There are many other popular types of blogs. Some of the more popular include house blogs for home improvement purposes, fashion blogs, health blogs, news blogs, literary blogs, educational blogs and legal blogs (also know as blawgs).

Blogs have influenced the field of Public Relations by allowing companies to gain exposure and attention through new areas of media. Blogs are allowing companies to attract a much wider audience and are also providing this audience with a direct line of communication to the businesses. Businesses are able to establish more trust and address any company issues openly within a quick time-frame, and not to mention, with much ease.

Companies in the past, when facing controversial issues, have taken it upon themselves to address those issues on a blog to inform the public on the problem occurring. Doing this gives the company the chance to tell their side of the story and also helps them gain public trust.

By: Neila Fricks