What is a blog?

A blog (contraction of the words "web" and "log") is a website with frequent entries posted in reverse-chronological order (newest on top). Watch the video on the right to learn about blogs.

It can be written by an organization or group of people, but it is usually written by one person. Blogging also implies the use of specific software that automatically indexes your posts and provides an RSS feed, and a framework for customization with calendars, photo and book galleries, and advertising.

Other characteristics:

• Entries usually contain text, images, and links to other websites or blogs. They can also contain video or reader polls.
• Writing that is typically informal and direct, and frequently humorous. Sometimes this means that a blog isn't always appropriate reading for work. (Hint: sometimes people warn you by putting "NSFW" in the title. This means "Not Safe For Work.")
  
• Readers can usually comment on the entries. On the more popular blogs this often becomes part of the entertainment.
• Entries are usually public; however, depending on your blog software, it is possible to restrict access to friends and family.
• Blogs are easy to subscribe to for people who have an RSS reader (we'll cover this in module #6).

Why should you know about blogs?

Why blog?

Because you have something you want to say, or share. Perhaps you are passionate about permaculture or are knowledgeable about great places to hike, or children's literature. Blogging is an inexpensive way to share what you know or believe with anyone who has internet access.

Why are libraries blogging?

• Searchable, direct outlet for news unfiltered by mainstream media -- a chance to say what we want in our own language.
• Low cost way to showcase resources or programming, such as book clubs, book reviews, or teen writing projects. Libraries might feature the things they are already doing that are too hidden away, or they may develop new content just for the blog(s).
• Outreach to potential customers who are active online.

Discovery Exercise: Get your feet wet!

We'll be using Blogger, free blog software and hosting from Google, but if there is different software you are more comfortable with, feel free to use it.

Here is a 2-minute video about setting up a blog on blogger.com


Preparation

1. Do you have a Google ID? If not, open a new browser window (File -->New window) and get one here: Google Accounts. Be sure you write down your login and password and keep it in a safe place.
2. Brainstorm about what you have to say. What are you good at? What brings out your sense of humor? What special skills or areas of knowledge do you have? Do your family and friends constantly ask you for recipes? What do you think about when you're quilting/running/knitting/cataloging? What you intend to write about will probably help you decide what to call your blog.
3. Think of a name for your blog. Be clever or keep it simple, it's up to you.

Get your blog

1. Did you watch the video above?
   
   
2. Bookmark this page or open a new browser window (File -->New window) and go to https://www.blogger.com/start
   
   
3. Sign-up for a blog on Blogger.com
• Create your account
• Name your blog
• Pick a template design (you can change this later)
4. When your blog has been created, post an entry with links to 3 or more blogs you think you might like to read. There is a list of blogs below that might help you get started.
   
   
5. To complete this exercise, go to the bottom of this page, where it says Threads.
   
   
6. Click Post a new thread (underneath and over to the right).
   
   
7. In your reply, tell us the name and the URL (web address) of your blog. Tell us about making your very own blog and posting to it.

Tip: have you bookmarked your blog? How about your blog's Dashboard, so you can post more entries?

More on blogger

• Blogger help
  
• Blogger features
  

Library and librarian blogs

• Prince Edward County teens
• Regina Public Library, Saskatchewan, Canada
• St. Joseph County Public Library (blog embedded in welcome page)
• Waterboro Public Library, Maine
• Librarian in Black (Sarah Houghton-Jan)
• David Lee King
• Tame the Web (Michael Stephens)
• Confessions of a Bibliovore (Maureen Kearney)
• The Kiddosphere (Fauquier County Public Library)
  
• List of blogging libraries

Who else is blogging? (these should be work-safe)

• Authors: Laurie Halse Anderson | Mo Willems | Luis Urrea | Neil Gaiman
• Artists and cartoonists: Shoebox | Drawn! | Unshelved
• Food mavens and crafty types: Pioneer woman cooks | Not Martha | Rosy little things | Angry chicken
• People interested in sustainable living: Inhabitat | Tree Hugger
• Gadget geeks, satirists, pundits and talk-show hosts, and gardeners. In fact, you can find blogs about just about everything, though you will probably need to be cautious exploring when you're at work.
• Want to search for more blogs? Use Technorati or Google blog search.

More information for the curious

• Blogging tips
• "Blog" in the Wikipedia
• Blogger plug-ins ("third-party apps") these little programs add functionality to your blog
• Blog software comparison chart
• What on earth is Twitter? (Wikipedia on Micro-blogging)
• State of the Blogosphere 2008 Discusses the who, what, why, and how of blogging

Who owns what I write?

Check the fine print on any blog software you use. For example, the Blogger Terms of Service says "Google claims no ownership or control over any Content submitted, posted or displayed by you on or through Google services." However, content written while at work is probably the property of your workplace.

Don't forget!

Threads
Feel free to post questions and concerns and respond to others comments in the threads at the bottom of this page as well. Remember, learning and collaboration are the reason we're here.

Play Pages
If you find interesting links, photos or videos you want to share, head on over to Play Pages to find out how to post them to this wiki.


Back to The 13 Things.