The world of Blogging

This is my toastmaster speech # 7 - Research your topic

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Do you remember the TV series – Doogie Howser MD during the 90’s? It is about a 16-year old doctor who shares stories of being the youngest doctor and at the same time, shares his experience in trying to live a normal teenage life. The show ends with a scene wherein Doogie Howser writes or better yet types in his diary on the computer.

This show became my inspiration – not to become a doctor but rather, to keep a diary in my computer when I was young. Just like Doogie Howser, I would end my day with an entry in my diary.

I was able to maintain my diary for quite some time… but unfortunately I got busy with other things that I could not find time to write on my diary daily and then eventually I just had to stop.

Just a few years back, Eunice, a friend of mine introduced me to her blog. It serves as her online diary. I actually got hooked to reading her every entry and following her blog daily.

But it is only last year that I finally had the courage to come up with my own blog. It is like reviving my diary but in a more high-tech way. Thus the birth of BUBBLY-BLABBER.BLOGSPOT.COM. J

Instead of talking about my personal blog, which hopefully, you will find time to browse it after this speech, allow me to take this opportunity to formally introduce everyone to the world of blogging.

As per Wikipedia’s definition, a blog is a blend of a term web log. Blogs are usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Other blogs just like my blog, function as personal online diaries.

Most blogs are interactive, allowing visitors to leave comments and even message each other via widgets on the blogs and it is this interactivity that distinguishes them from other static websites.

George Siemens, the author of the article Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age defined blogging as using a new medium for what it is good for - connecting and interacting.  He even adds that if internet is about availability of information, blogging is about making information creation available to anyone.

As of 16 February 2011, we have around 156 million public blogs in existence.

Aside from the most common and traditional type of blog, which is the online diary, there are also corporate and organizational blogs which are used internally, to enhance the communication and culture in a corporation or externally for marketing, branding or public relations purposes.

Blogs are now also evolving from online personal diaries to a new model of marketing communication from businesses to consumers. There are now consumer-generated advertising in blogs. Among the various forms of advertising on blog, the most controversial are the sponsored posts. These are blog entries or posts and may be in the form of feedbacks, reviews, opinion, videos, etc. and usually contain a link back to the desired site using a keyword/s.

But just like any form of expression, blogging can result in a range of legal liabilities and other unforeseen consequences. Several cases have been brought before the national courts against bloggers concerning issues of defamation or liability. Also, employees who blog about elements of their place of employment can begin to affect the brand recognition of their employer. Blogging can also sometimes have unforeseen consequences in politically sensitive areas. Please note that blogs are much harder to control than broadcast or even print media.

Another consequence of blogging is the possibility of attacks or threats against the blogger, sometimes without apparent reason.

So in general, keep in mind to be accountable and responsible for your blogs.

There’s  an article I read in the internet that talks about 3 things to remember when blogging.

1. Create good content.
2. Be social.
3. Don’t plagiarize.

Create good content. Write about what you love and know well. Share information useful to your audience. But, Make sure to check your facts before publishing posts or articles, else you might not only look dumb, but also misinform and damage other people.

Make your readers think, change their minds, or even laugh. Don’t just copy and paste content or news you found elsewhere; tell your readers what you think about it. But also make sure to consider the implications of what you write.

Be social. Try to browse other blogs in the net… leave comments, connect and interact with other fellow bloggers.

Don’t plagiarize. Give credit where credit is due. Always reference your sources. This practice is not only important under an ethical point of view, but it also ensures that readers can eventually dig to the root of the facts.

So what are you waiting for? Why not try blogging? After all, blogging is not rocket science, it’s about being yourself, and putting what you have into it.

But to have more ideas on blogging, you can browse BUBBLY-BLABBER.BLOGSPOT.COM. I am not an expert but at least it can be your start in entering the world of blogging.

Have fun!