Assignment 1-4: Weekly Written Analysis 1

Blogging:
What exactly is blogging? Until I started this class on popular culture I could only guess at the answer. I have never been one to use the internet for social engagement including using chat rooms. I realize the popularity of such tools, but have never been drawn to using them. So when I first heard the term “Blogging” I could only imagine what it was. I never made any attempt to understand the topic as it never interested me. After starting my own blog for this course I have been amazed by the extreme popularity of the communication tool.

According to M. Conniff (2005), the definition of a blog contains “"I can define them for you very easily," Jason Calcanis says. "There are three main features of a blog: the first is reverse chronological order, the second is unfiltered content -- the second somebody filters or edits the author it's no longer a blog -- and the third is comments." Calcanis's insistence on a precise definition puts him clearly in a minority of blogging experts who mostly admit they can't or won't define exactly what constitutes a blog.” As you can see from this definition there is no exact definition of a blog. In fact, when researching the topic on the internet, it seems many are hesitant to try and define a blog. So what is a blog? A blog in my opinion, is a discussion of any topic the author sees fit. Most blogs are open for popular discussion meaning anyone can post a comment to and contribute openly to the discussion taking place. This also makes a blog a very dynamic discussion moving in many different directions based on the opinions and contributions of its readers.
So, the next time you ask the question: What is a blog?, try searching the internet for the answer. You will probably end up more confused than when you started, but you will also come up with some fantastic information. I was not one to take advantage of the level of communication the internet has to offer in the form of a blog. However, I have taken the plunge and am glad I did. Next time you have some free time try blogging. You’ll enjoy it.

Reference
Conniff, M. (2005). Just What is a Blog. Retrieved October 5, 2008 from http://www.ojr.org/ojr/stories/050929/