I should admit that I don't have much experience with blogs. This is the first blog that I've ever created on my own, and the only other blog that I have any knowledge about was created by one of my teachers. I was only expected to post comments on the blog. I had nothing to do with the creation of it. So, when we were asked to blog about blogging, I decided to start with a definition. Wikipedia defines blogging as "a type of website, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary." There are no limits about what can be discussed on a blog. And there are no guidelines that have to be followed (as far as content goes, I'm sure blogs are monitored by website managers for inappropriate content, but the creator of the blog can talk about whatever they feel like discussing that day). Blogging is open and available to the world and the world is taking notice of blogs.
After finding this quick definition of blogging, I then decided to search for more information about blogs, and I found a website called DailyBlogsTips that offers information about blogging that is broken down into categories such as blog design, blog projects and blogging basics. I thought this site offered a good overview of the basics of blogging (especially for someone new to the blogging experience).
So what's good about blogs?
One aspect of blogs that I like is the fact that you can blog about anything you want. I love watching movies, so I found a blog that offers reviews and news about upcoming movies: The Movie Blog. But if I loved watching baseball or college football or even learning about the latest fashions, I could find a blog to meet those needs too.
What's not so good about blogs?
Well, one thing that's a little scary about blogs is that anyone can blog about anything they want. And you don't have to be an expert to impart your information (correct or not) to the whole world.
So, if you have something to say and you want the world to hear it, blogging is a great starting point. Those of us who are reading blogs just have to remember that we need to read with a critical eye in order to know what's true information and what should be considered someone's opinion. Overall, I think blogging is a positive thing.
Monday, February 8, 2010
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I agree with your post. The fact that you can find/blog about ANYTHING you want to is an amazing amount of freedom. Blogging can give people an outlet that they may not otherwise have, which is very empowering. It should go without saying, but perhaps it is just all the years of lit classes catching up, but I think you should approach everything you read with a critical eye. I also really like your graphic. Keep on truckin'!
ReplyDeleteBen
I agree that its a little strange that anyone can blog about anything. But since teaching is your field, you'll be one up on your students. I'm sure they'll think its cool that the teacher has her own blog.
ReplyDeleteHey Kate!
ReplyDeleteLike you, I have absolutely no experience with blogs other than the two posts created for class, so I found your post very refreshing.
I must say, I absolutely agree with a comment from your post, "Those of us who are reading blogs just have to remember that we need to read with a critical eye in order to know what's true information and what should be considered someone's opinion." I couldn't agree more! Like you said, anyone can post anything about anything. It takes a critical mind to decipher the facts from the opinions.
I thoroughly enjoyed your blog and look forward to seeing what lies ahead. Great job!
xoxo,
Nikki May
Kate,
ReplyDeleteBeautiful blog! And you are right, anybody can blog about anything and that is scary. It is almost as if the world has to have some kind of universal ethical mindset where we hold each accountable to publish only things that are not too embarrassing or vulgar. The social media world is a scary place when you think of all the millions who have such power to create something, but reading with the critical eye and posting good information is key to successful blogging. And you have done that! Great job!
-Hollon
Hey Kate,
ReplyDeleteI can relate to your novice in the blog world. I think that you are right that America's first ammendment makes blogging a scary thing, and while celebrity blogs are my fav, things written on them are more often than not detrimental to that celeb's reputation. But, I guess the fear is what feeds blogs. People, like me, read blogs to see what other people really think, and as our thoughts are not, I guess our blogs should not be censored either! I enjoyed reading your post, and good luck with your other ones. Lynn