BASICS OF BLOGGING

WHAT IS A BLOG? "Blog" is an abbreviated version of "weblog," which is a term used to describe websites that maintain an ongoing chronicle of information. In simple terms it is a piece of software which allows you to write an online diary on a website. Your last entry, called a post, is displayed on the front page, home page, of the site. The significance of the blog is that it is dynamic. That is that it can be updated and it allows the visitor to communicate through the comment section attached to each individual post.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A BLOG a blog has some form of navigation, usually menus a blog’s layout contains a header, footer and content. Usually there is at least one sidebar running beside the content. categories of posts that readers can access the archives, previous posts that a post can contain text and images, (and often video and other media) that posts can contain links to other posts, both within blog and to the entire web a contact page and form an about page a display of recent posts a plugin that automatically sends a new post details to Twitter or Facebook image galleries and the ability to turn the post into an easy to print document

COMPONENTS Header Content Area Footer Feeds Blogroll

COMPONENTS: HEADER Headers usually consist of an image, the name of the blog, (in this case Blog Basics.com), a tag line, (Giving a quick slogan to the site – in this case – Welcome to the world of blogs). Usually it will also have a site logo In addition there is usually one or two navigation menus. In this case there are two: one, the grey one, for the business side of the blog – about, contact and as the blog expands I will have a section for contributors, a media pack, (for selling advertising), terms and conditions, and a privacy statement, (which is often required by advertisers). The second menu, the red one, allows access to the content. It will be expanded as the number posts expand to include links to different stages of blogging – from starting to becoming a professional, or possibly even a star blogger.

COMPONENTS: CONTENT AREA Where the content is displayed Displayed in reverse, chronological order Posts summarized, as in the diagram, which is now the most common format Clever layouts- can show extracts in a wider variety of ways, such as different image sizes, different amounts of text and even two columns in the main content area.

FOOTER Usually a footer displays copyright, some basic information about the site and ownership. However, some footers can be very elaborate. This encourages his visitors to carry on clicking to view content in other sections of the site.

FEEDS A Feed is a function of special software that allows "Feedreaders" to access a site automatically looking for new content and then post updates about that new content to another site. This provides a way for users to keep up with the latest and hottest information posted on different blogging sites. Some Feeds include RSS (alternately defined as "Rich Site Summary" or "Really Simple Syndication")

BLOGROLL A blogroll is a list, sometimes categorized, of links to webpages the author of a blog finds worthwhile or interesting. The links in a blogroll are usually to other blogs with similar interests. The blogroll is often in a "sidebar" on the page or featured as a dedicated separate web page.

HYPERLINKING Linking to other content offers credibility and a resource to your readers, but make sure they do not leave your page and never return…. Example-

A FEW BLOGGING TIPS Starting a new blog is difficult and this can put many people off. Some may get off to a good start only to become quickly discouraged because of the lack of comments or visits. Post regularly, but don't post if you have nothing worth posting about. Stick with only a few specific genres to talk about. Don't put 'subscribe' and 'vote me' links all over the front page until you have people that like your blog enough to ignore them (they're usually just in the way). Use a clean and simple theme if at all possible. Enjoy, blog for fun, comment on other peoples' blogs (as they normally visit back). Have fun blogging and remember, there are no rules to what you post on your blog!

THINKING IT OUT…. What interests do you have? Hobbies, etc? If you could write about anything, what would it be and why? What would the PURPOSE of your blog be? Do you want to offer a service? Tips? Etc…. Who would your INTENDED AUDIENCE be? What would be the reason you have for maintaining your blog? What end result do you foresee? Respond and view: ld ld