Blogs and blogging
DPI/NGO WORKSHOP 4 DECEMBER 2008
Blogs and blogging
• What is a blog? • Do I need a blog? • How do I get a blog on the web? • Blogging guidelines
What is a blog?
Definition (Wikipedia)
A blog (a contraction of the term "Web log") is a Web site, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reversechronological order. "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog.
Do I need a blog?
• Ask yourself the 23 questions (see handout)
If you decide to do a blog choose your topic carefully, stick to it and update regularly. No-one will read your blog if it is not well written and frequently refreshed.
How do I get a blog on the Web?
• Choose a blogging platform – stand alone or hosted • Choose a name for your blog – choose carefully! • Choose your blogging tools – editor, statistics, plugins etc
Blogging guidelines
• Develop your own guidelines by reading guidelines of others – BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/guidelines/editorialguidelines/advice/p ersonalweb/blogging.shtml) – IBM (http://www.ibm.com/blogs/zz/en/guidelines.html) – Feedster (http://feedster.blogs.com/corporate/2005/03/corporate_ blogg.html) • You can find many more examples by doing a Google or Yahoo search (“blogging guidelines”)