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What Is It?

A blog is the shortened terminology for “Web Log,” a Web site format where content entries are displayed to the public through a third party (Web host) in chronological order. The term, “blog,” also is used as a verb that describe the act of adding content to this type of Web site. Since 1999, this Web site format has gained popularity in use from individuals to business concerns.

Usually, a blog is utilized to focus on a particular subject, interest, or concern, and the content within that blog applies to that topic. Bloggers often use a mix of text, images, multimedia that pertains to the subject matter. However, some blogs focus entirely on text, some on photographs (photoblogs), artwork, videos (vlog), music (MP3blog), or audio (podcast). The blogger has the option in most cases to allow commentary from viewers or to add revenue to the site through affiliate advertisements or eCommerce.

Who Is it For?

The blog began its evolution as a personalized format where individuals could post information about their varied interests or about their daily lives, travels, and more. Now, many professionals utilize blogs to promote their skills and expertise in various matters. Businesses also use blogs to keep customers informed about ways to use products and services. The blog has become a form of communication where the reader can expect to learn more about any given topic through expert opinion and factual information.

So the blog has evolved from a somewhat amateurish beginning to become a vital tool in any career or business arsenal. The blog often contains clues to the writer’s proclivities, perspectives, and daily activities, so a future employer or client can learn more about the blogger. On the other hand, blogs often have proven a venue for individuals to change career paths, as blogs provide a global stage for the blogger.

Blogs offer flexibility for anyone who can utilize the tools. In many cases, the ability to know coding and programming isn’t required to showcase a well-designed Web presence. The problems in this format often lie in how well the blogger can write, and whether the blogger can stay on topic and find the time to work within a dynamic context rather than with a site that holds static pages.

Features

Blogs range from simple one-column wide affairs to new formats that resemble online magazine layouts that hold three to four columns. Users can choose among free blog pages or they can pay a minimal price for the use of blog tools at hosted sites. The third option is to create a blog using blog templates. The first two options may limit the type of blog the user wants to develop, as it may limit the bandwidth or storage space for additions such as photographs or multimedia.

Users who want to develop a blog outside Web host offerings can find thousands of available templates online. Many templates are free to use, and others have licenses attached. Many templates allow for viewer commentary, advertisement placement, and the ability to place photographs, artwork and multimedia. Some templates may contain the ability for users to add devices called “widgets.” Widgets allow a blogger to add features such as feeds, gadgets such as localized weather conditions or maps and other user-friendly applications without the need for programming skills. The widgets basically are drag-and-drop features.

Compatibility

Most blogs utilize a database that holds a blog’s information, from content to templates to user names and passwords. Additionally, blogs often are written in PHP, which means that the user who wants to develop a blog must choose a hosting service that offers these languages and frameworks. Additionally, depending upon the size of the blog, the user can expect to use a large amount of bandwidth and storage space, and this usage often surprises the novice blogger who is presented with a bill for over usage on these features.

Although many bloggers are content with keeping information low-key on their blogs, other bloggers seek to drive traffic to their sites to capture revenue from those visitors. In the latter instance, the blogger should seek a Web host provider who is willing to offer guaranteed uptime, the ability to handle traffic spikes, and a fairly large bandwidth option. Finally, a blogger might want to add eCommerce to a site, which demands that the Web host provide the option for this application.

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