What’s in a Blog, Anyway?

A recent, unrelated spate of articles and messages that have passed through my inbox or been published online have lead me to think there is some misconception about blogs — what they are, what they’re for and whether or not they are “good” or “bad”. Here’s what one person’s view is. (Oh yes, that could be a blog.)

BLOG: Short form of  “Weblog”, or personal journal online, or editorial column-type ramblings by one or many, usually in an ongoing dated format. There are other definitions available. Search Google :: definition of blog

I can’t claim to be an expert on the development of “blogs”, or when the first ones appeared, but from reading many and doing just a scant bit of research – it’s clear that they are Rampant. Blogstreet ranked the Top 100 (in 2003), and reports there are over 144k blogs in their directory alone. The closest thing to “free speech” with no barriers that I can think of. There’s a GREAT article by Jay Rosen, titled Ten Things Radical about the Weblog Form in Journalism, ABOUT blogs.  Global, not limited to any one region, religion, language, industry, age or other common segmentation. If you’re looking for international perspectives, find your favorite corner of the world at globeofblogs.com.

NOT formal business writing. NOT paid for advertising (at least, not yet). NOT PR. Meant to be self-expression and opinion, if you don’t like what you read – stop going to that blog! Spontaneous. Immediate. Highly stylized. Which is very refreshing.

While blogs continue to spread, and evolve, I for one would like to see this particular communication form remain as independent as possible. I’ve heard rumors of new “Business Blogs” – ie; scrubbed for general consumption, approved by corporate legal departments and frighteningly sound like something that will become nothing more than another sanitized brochure

Beware the Blog Bashers. Here’s to personal expression! If you disagree – start your own blog. (Seriously – commentary is always welcome here.)