‘What is a blog?’

Cover shot of Biz Stone’s book, “Who Let the Blogs Out?”
Source: http://www.bizstone.com/2004/09/who-let-blogs-out.html

In my continued reading of “Who Let the Blogs Out?” by Biz Stone (St. Martin’s Griffin, 2004), I share this passage, “So What is Blogging?”

“Is blogging self-expression, personal publishing, a diary, amateur journalism, the biggest disruptive technology since e-mail, an online community, alternative media, curriculum for students, a customer relations strategy, knowledge management, navel gazing, a solution to boredom, a dream job, a style of writing, e-mail to everyone, a fad, the answer to illiteracy, an online persona, social networking, resume fodder, phonecam pictures, or something to hide from your mother? It’s all of the above and more.

 “A blog is a collection of digital content that, when examined over a period of time, exposes the intellectual soul of its author or authors. Blogging is the act of creating, composing, and publishing this content; and a blogger is the person behind the curtain. Part social software and part web building, blogging is peer-to-peer publishing -- the future of our connected lives.”

What is clear when reading this book is that blogging is more complex than simply composing an entry and clicking  “Publish Post.” Stone delves into the history, philosophy, etc.

The blogging culture has rules, as summarized by Stone’s section on etiquette. There are implications to consider, such as personal privacy and blogging on personal or company time.

 Stone cautions, “Remember that your blog is an extension of yourself.”

Bottom line, because I’m sure this book is due back soon at my library, is that I think it worthwhile reading by anyone who is composing a blog. I found it shelved in 006.7 at the Middletown Library.