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What exactly is a blog?

As more people turn to the World Wide Web for their news, business, and personal correspondence, writers are using online journals called weblogs or blogs to reach readers.

Blogging for dummies
by Susannah Gardner and Shane Birley.
Hoboken, N.J. : Wiley ; Chichester : John Wiley [distributor], 2010.
The blogging bestseller, now fully updated to reflect the latest tools and techniquesBlogging is forever evolving, and remains essential for anyone who wants a distinctive Web presence. There are many options that surround blogging-on everything from blogging software to hosting services-and this fun and friendly guide gets you started so can begin logging in hours of blogging!Building on the success of the two previous bestselling editions, this latest revision includes essential blogging basics, the elements required of a good blog, and the tools you′ll need to get started. You′ll discover how to determine the right blogging software for you, whether you should run your own blog or use a full-service hosting site, and how to set up an account and write your first post. Builds on the two previous bestselling editions and covers the latest advertising tools to attract an audience, methods for making money with your blog, and ways to measure your blog′s success Includes updates to the major blogging software utilities including Google′s Blogger, TypePad, and WordPress Walks you through the latest search engine optimization techniques for increasing your blog′s visibility Reviews the newest plug-ins and gadgets that will allow you to extend your blogIf you′re in a fog about how to blog, then this easy-to-understand guide is the right book for you.
     
Create your own blog : [6 easy projects to start blogging like a pro ; personal blog, business blog, blog for podcasting, video blog, portfoloio blog for artists, lifestreaming blog]
 
Indianapolis, Ind. : Sams Pub., c2010.
Hussey (speaker, teacher, social media consultant, and long-time blogger) offers step-by-step guidance for creating a professional-quality blog. He takes it from the beginning with planning a first blog, installing and setting it up, and creating the conversation. He also discusses how to build an audience, create personal and business blogs, and podcasting and video blogs--not to mention how to make money with it. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
     
Problogger : secrets for blogging your way to a six-figure income
Darren Rowse and Chris Garrett.
Indianapolis, IN : Wiley, c2010.
A complete how-to from two of the world's top bloggersThousands of aspiring bloggers launch new blogs every day, hoping to boost their income. Without solid advice from experts, most will fail. This bestselling guide, now fully revised with new and updated tips and tricks from two of the world's most successful bloggers, provides the step-by-step information bloggers need to turn their hobby into an income source or a fulltime career. Earning a solid income from blogging is possible, but tricky; this book details proven techniques and gives aspiring bloggers the tools to succeed Even novices will learn to choose a blog topic, analyze the market, set up a blog, promote it, and earn revenue Offers solid, step-by-step instruction on how bloggers make money, why niches matter, how to use essential blogging tools and take advantage of social media and content aggregators, what a successful blog post should include, how to optimize advertising, and much moreWritten by two fulltime professional bloggers, the updated edition of ProBlogger tells you exactly how to launch and maintain a blog that makes money.
     
Teach yourself visually WordPress
by Janet Majure.
Indianapolis, Ind. : Wiley Publishing, Inc., c2010.
Get your blog up and running with WordPressAre you itching to share your thoughts with the world through blogging but aren't sure how? Teach Yourself VISUALLY WordPress introduces you to one of the most popular, easy-to-use blogging platforms: WordPress. This book's clear directions and visual approach helps you to quickly get started in WordPress and then take full advantage of all its features. Janet Majure, an experienced and popular WordPress user, demonstrates key points with examples from her blogs. Provides visual step-by-step instructions for creating and setting up a WordPress site Explains how to create engaging written and visual content Shares advice on customizing sites through use of plug-ins and themes and custom site editing Details more advanced procedures for self-hosted bloggers, including buying a domain, getting a Web host, and installing WordPressThe blogosphere beckons! Teach Yourself VISUALLY WordPress Brimming with clear instructions and exciting ideas for building a successful blog on WordPress.
     

Weblogs originated as a way for Internet users to keep a log of the websites they visited. John Barger coined the word ‘weblog’ in 1997.   The shorter version, 'blog,' was coined by Peter Merholz who broke the word weblog into the phrase 'we blog'.

One every 7.4 seconds

The Pew Internet study estimates that about 11%, or about 50 million, of Internet users are regular blog readers.

A new weblog is created every 7.4 seconds, which means there are about 12,000 new blogs a day.

Today’s blogs are more than listings of websites. The typical blog entry begins with a heading followed by a short reflection on a particular website and a link to that website.  Below the reflection is a link to a comment board.  This ability to comment on the author's work, and view others’ comments, gives blogs their community aspect.

Blogs are easy to create. It takes only a few keystrokes to build a home on the World Wide Web for your creative output. Within minutes, and at no cost, you can begin to publish your own blog.

  1. First, pick a topic that will be the focus of your blog.  You may choose to write about your daily activities.  Some of the Web's most entertaining blogs are simply accounts of what the author did that day.  Other blogs are more specific and cover an area of interest such as politics, movies, or music.
  2. Next choose a home for your blog.  Carefully evaluate blog providers to select one that is reliable and right for you.   Blogger and Live Journal are two companies offering this service free of charge.  Each provide simple onscreen instructions that allow you to select a name for your blog and make layout decisions. 
  3. Once your blog is created, it's time to write your first entry.  To cultivate an audience, you will want to develop your own voice, say something unique, and update your blog regularly.  Readers will not return to your blog repeatedly if you don't provide new material.

Article by: St. Louis Public Library staff