How has the nature of blogs evolved from the 2000s to the 2010s?

In the 2000s, blogs were often the work of a single individual or a small group, usually focusing on a single subject. By the 2010s, multi-author blogs (MABs) became more common, featuring contributions from multiple writers and sometimes professional editing, often originating from institutions like media outlets, universities, and advocacy groups.

What is the meaning of the term 'blog' when used as a verb?

When used as a verb, 'blog' means to maintain or add content to a blog. This reflects the active process of creating and publishing entries on a blog platform.

What technological advancements facilitated the rise of blogging in the late 1990s?

The proliferation of web publishing tools in the late 1990s made it easier for non-technical users to post content online. Previously, knowledge of technologies like HTML and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) was required, limiting early web publishing to computer enthusiasts and hackers.

How do modern blogs, particularly those from the 2010s onward, differ from earlier iterations in terms of user interaction?

Modern blogs, especially those categorized as Web 2.0 websites, are highly interactive, allowing visitors to leave online comments. This interactivity distinguishes them from earlier, more static websites and fosters a sense of community and social networking between bloggers and their readers.

What role do blog authors typically play in managing reader comments?

Blog authors often moderate and filter online comments to remove offensive content, such as hate speech. However, some high-readership blogs choose not to allow comments at all.

What types of content are commonly found on a blog?

A typical blog combines text with digital images and hyperlinks to other relevant blogs, web pages, or media. While most blogs are primarily text-based, some specialize in specific media like art (art blogs), photographs (photoblogs), videos (vlogs), music (MP3 blogs), or audio (podcasts).

How is the term 'blog' used in the context of social media today?

The terms 'blog' and 'blogging' are now often used more broadly to describe content creation and sharing on social media platforms, particularly when the content is long-form and published regularly. This can include maintaining a blog on platforms like Facebook or sharing content on Instagram.

What is the estimated number of blogs compared to the total number of websites?

As of a 2022 estimate, there were over 600 million public blogs out of more than 1.9 billion websites worldwide. This indicates that blogs represent a significant portion of the internet's content.

Who coined the term 'weblog,' and when?

The term 'weblog' was coined by Jorn Barger on December 17, 1997. He used it to describe his online journal.

How did the term 'blog' evolve from 'weblog'?

Peter Merholz jokingly split the word 'weblog' into the phrase 'we blog' in May 1999. Subsequently, Evan Williams of Pyra Labs used 'blog' as both a noun and a verb, and coined the term 'blogger' in relation to Pyra Labs' Blogger product, leading to the popularization of these terms.

What were some precursors to modern blogs in the pre-weblog era?

Before blogging became widespread, digital communities communicated through platforms like Usenet, commercial online services such as GEnie and CompuServe, e-mail lists, and bulletin board systems (BBS). Internet forums with threaded conversations also served as early forms of online discussion.

What is considered the first 'blog' according to Encyclopedia Britannica?

According to Encyclopedia Britannica, Tim Berners-Lee created what is considered the first 'blog' in 1992. He used it to document the progress of creating the World Wide Web and its associated software.

What was the significance of Mosaic Communications Corporation's 'What's New' page?

In November 1993, Mosaic Communications Corporation maintained a 'What's New' page that listed newly discovered websites, updated daily and archived monthly. This page was accessible via a dedicated button in the Mosaic web browser and served as an early form of curated web content.

Who is recognized as an early pioneer of blogging, and what inspired them?

Justin Hall is generally recognized as one of the earlier bloggers, having started personal blogging in 1994. He credited Ranjit Bhatnagar, who began writing about interesting internet finds in 1993 on his Moonmilk website, as an inspiration.

What was the first known commercial blog?

The first known commercial blog was on the Ty, Inc. website in 1995, featured in a section called 'Online Diary.' This blog contained entries maintained by Beanie Babies, chosen monthly by website visitors.

How did early blogs like Ty, Inc.'s 'Online Diary' function technologically?

Early blogs were updated manually by directly editing text-based HTML code using FTP software. Posts were displayed in reverse chronological order, with new entries coded into new HTML files daily and archived monthly, a process that laid the groundwork for future blogging software.

What were some of the first hosted blog tools that contributed to blogging's rise in popularity?

Several hosted blog tools emerged around 1999, significantly boosting blogging's popularity. These included Open Diary (launched October 1998), LiveJournal (started March 1999), Pitas.com and DiaryLand (launched July and September 1999 respectively), and Blogger (launched 1999).

What innovation did Open Diary introduce to the blogging community?

Open Diary, launched in October 1998, innovated the reader comment feature, becoming the first blog community where readers could add comments to the entries of other writers.

How did blogs play a role in the Trent Lott scandal in 2002?

Bloggers were instrumental in bringing attention to comments made by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott that were interpreted as supporting racial segregation. Bloggers unearthed documents and recorded interviews that reinforced this view, and their reporting preceded major media coverage, ultimately contributing to Lott's resignation as majority leader.

What was the 'Rathergate' scandal, and what role did bloggers play?

The 'Rathergate' scandal involved documents presented on CBS's '60 Minutes' that questioned President Bush's military service record. Bloggers identified these documents as forgeries and presented evidence supporting this claim, which led to CBS apologizing for inadequate reporting techniques and increased the credibility of blogs as a news dissemination medium.

How have blogs influenced political discourse in countries like Russia?

In Russia, political bloggers like Rustem Adagamov and Alexei Navalny have challenged the dominance of state-controlled media. Navalny's critical nickname for the ruling United Russia party ('party of crooks and thieves') was adopted by anti-regime protesters, leading The Wall Street Journal to label him 'the man Vladimir Putin fears most'.

When did blogs become more mainstream in political and public life?

By 2004, blogs began to be used more mainstreamly by political consultants, news services, and candidates for outreach and opinion formation. Politicians like Howard Dean and Wesley Clark utilized blogs, cementing their role as a news source.

Which influential bloggers were highlighted by Fortune magazine in 2005?

In January 2005, Fortune magazine listed eight bloggers that business people 'could not ignore': Peter Rojas, Xeni Jardin, Ben Trott, Mena Trott, Jonathan Schwartz, Jason Goldman, Robert Scoble, and Jason Calacanis.

What is 'microblogging,' and what are some examples of platforms?

Microblogging is the practice of posting small pieces of digital content, such as text, pictures, links, or short videos, on the internet. It is valued for its portability and spontaneity. Examples of microblogging platforms include Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, and Weibo.

What are 'corporate blogs,' and how are they used?

Corporate blogs can be internal, accessible only to employees via an intranet, or external and publicly accessible. Internally, they enhance communication, culture, and employee engagement. Externally, they are used for marketing, branding, and public relations, sometimes with posts ghostwritten in the executive's style.

What is an 'aggregated blog,' and what is its purpose?

An aggregated blog, often called a 'planet' (named after Planet software), combines selected feeds on a specific topic to provide a consolidated view for readers. This allows readers to focus on content without needing to manage multiple subscriptions individually.

A 'splog' is a blog used solely for the purpose of spamming. It is not considered a legitimate type of blog and is often created to generate advertising revenue through deceptive means.

What is a 'blook,' and how did it emerge?

A 'blook' is a book created from a blog's content. Some bloggers have published books based on their blog posts, such as Salam Pax, Ellen Simonetti, Jessica Cutler, and ScrappleFace, with the Lulu Blooker Prize established to award the best blog-based book.

What is 'consumer-generated advertising' in the context of blogs?

Consumer-generated advertising refers to marketing communication where businesses engage consumers through blogs, often through sponsored posts that may include feedback, reviews, or opinions containing links back to a company's site. This practice is controversial, with some believing it undermines the credibility of the blogosphere.

What are the potential legal liabilities bloggers might face?

Bloggers can face legal liabilities related to issues such as defamation. Several court cases have addressed these issues, with varying verdicts, and Internet Service Providers generally have immunity for third-party content under laws like the U.S. Communications Decency Act.

How have employers reacted to employees blogging about their work?

Employees blogging about their workplace can impact their employer's reputation, positively or negatively. Attempts by employees to maintain anonymity have often been ineffective, and cases like Ellen Simonetti's firing from Delta Air Lines highlight the conflict between employee expression and employer rights.

What are the 'political dangers' associated with blogging in certain regimes?

In politically sensitive areas or authoritarian regimes, blogging can lead to severe consequences. Internet police or secret police may monitor blogs, arrest authors, or suppress content. Examples include bloggers being imprisoned in Singapore for anti-Muslim remarks and in Egypt for criticizing the government or institutions.

What risks to personal safety can bloggers face?

Bloggers can face risks such as online or in-person attacks, threats, and cyberbullying. The case of Kathy Sierra, who received misogynistic insults and threats, led to her canceling a speaking engagement due to safety concerns, highlighting the vulnerability of bloggers.

What is the 'blogosphere'?

The 'blogosphere' refers to the collective community of all blogs and blog authors, particularly those that are notable and widely read. It is seen as an interconnected and socially networked space through links, comments, and backlinks.

What role have blog search engines played?

Blog search engines, such as the now-defunct Bloglines, BlogScope, and Technorati, have been used to search blog content. Technorati, for instance, previously ranked blogs based on incoming links.

How has the internet influenced minority languages through blogging?

Blogging has helped connect scattered speakers and learners of minority languages, such as Gaelic languages. It provides a low-cost platform for minority language publishing, enabling authors to reach their audience more effectively.

What is 'sousveillance' in the context of early blogging?

Sousveillance, as practiced by early bloggers like the author of 'Wearable Wireless Webcam,' refers to the semi-automated blogging of personal life using live video combined with text. This practice involved transmitting data from wearable computers and devices like EyeTap to a website.

What is the significance of permalinks in blog popularity?

Studies suggest that while blogrolls contribute to popularity over time, permalinks can boost a blog's popularity more rapidly. Permalinks indicate that readers find specific content valuable or noteworthy, potentially being more indicative of a blog's authority than blogrolls alone.

What are some examples of managed platforms for blogging?

Managed platforms like Medium and Substack offer built-in support for blogging features such as post previews, paywalls, and newsletters, simplifying the process for users.

What are some popular open-source software options for self-hosting blogs?

Popular open-source software for self-hosting blogs includes WordPress. Additionally, static site generators like Hugo and Jekyll are used for creating and managing blog content.

How have mainstream media outlets and journalists engaged with blogging?

Many mainstream journalists now write their own blogs, contributing to the blurring lines between traditional media and blogging. Some media professionals use blogs as an extension of their traditional presence, while others use them as their primary journalistic output.

What is the 'Slashdot effect' in relation to blogs?

The 'Slashdot effect' refers to a surge in traffic to a website when it is linked from Slashdot, a popular technology news website. This phenomenon highlights how links from influential platforms can significantly boost a blog's visibility and readership.

What is 'churnalism' in the context of journalism and blogging?

Churnalism refers to the practice of publishing unoriginal content, often derived from press releases or other secondary sources, without significant original reporting or fact-checking. While not exclusive to blogs, it's a concept discussed within journalism ethics that can sometimes be associated with the rapid content creation found online.

What is 'gonzo journalism' as a blog genre?

Gonzo journalism, as a blog genre, is characterized by a subjective, first-person narrative style where the writer's personal experiences and opinions are central to the reporting, often blurring the lines between observer and participant.

What is 'New Journalism' in relation to blogging?

New Journalism, which emerged in the 1960s and 70s, influenced blogging by emphasizing literary techniques and subjective viewpoints in non-fiction writing. This style, often adopted by bloggers, prioritizes narrative and personal voice over traditional objective reporting.

What is 'watchdog journalism' as practiced by bloggers?

Watchdog journalism, when practiced by bloggers, involves monitoring and reporting on the actions of government, corporations, or other powerful entities to hold them accountable. This often involves investigative work and critical analysis of public information.

What is 'advocacy journalism' in the context of blogs?

Advocacy journalism, as seen in blogs, involves promoting a specific cause or viewpoint. This can include 'journalistic interventionism,' where the blogger actively tries to influence events or public opinion through their writing.

How did the term 'weblog' get shortened to 'blog'?

Peter Merholz is credited with humorously splitting the word 'weblog' into the phrase 'we blog' in 1999, which led to the popular adoption of the shorter term 'blog'.

What is the difference between a 'blog' and a 'web page'?

While both are online content, a blog is characterized by regularly updated, chronologically ordered entries (posts), often with interactive comment sections. A web page can be any static document on the internet, not necessarily updated frequently or featuring user comments.

What is the role of 'links' in a typical blog post?

Links within a blog post connect readers to related content, such as other blogs, external websites, or media resources relevant to the post's topic. This interlinking is a fundamental aspect of how blogs create a network of information.

Blog Wiki: The Digital Chronicle: Unpacking the World of Blogs

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What is a Blog?

Definition

A blog, a truncation of "weblog," is an informational website characterized by discrete, often informal, diary-style text entries known as posts. These posts are typically arranged in reverse chronological order, with the most recent appearing first at the top of the web page.

Evolution of Online Publishing

Historically, publishing content online required technical expertise in HTML and FTP. The advent of user-friendly web publishing tools democratized content creation, enabling individuals without extensive technical backgrounds to share their thoughts and information, marking a significant shift from static websites.

Interactivity and Community

Modern blogs, often categorized as Web 2.0 platforms, facilitate interactivity through features like reader comments. This engagement distinguishes them from static websites and fosters a sense of community, allowing bloggers to build social networks with their readers and fellow bloggers.

Historical Trajectory

Genesis of the Term

The term "weblog" was coined by Jorn Barger in December 1997. Peter Merholz humorously shortened it to "blog" in May 1999. Evan Williams later popularized the terms "blog" and "blogger" in conjunction with Pyra Labs' Blogger product, solidifying their place in digital lexicon.

Early Precursors and Pioneers

Before the widespread adoption of blogs, digital communities flourished on platforms like Usenet, email lists, and bulletin board systems. Early pioneers like Tim Berners-Lee, Ranjit Bhatnagar, and Justin Hall contributed to the foundational concepts of personal online journaling and content sharing.

Tim Berners-Lee's 1992 "weblog" discussed the World Wide Web's progress.
Mosaic Communications Corporation's "What's New" page (1993) listed new websites daily.
Ranjit Bhatnagar's "Ranjit's HTTP Playground" (1993) featured chronological entries of web discoveries.
Justin Hall began personal blogging in 1994, recognized as an early influential blogger.
Ty, Inc.'s "Online Diary" (1995) on their website is considered an early commercial blog.

Rise in Popularity

The late 1990s and early 2000s saw a surge in blogging's popularity, fueled by the emergence of hosted blog tools like Open Diary, LiveJournal, and Blogger. These platforms simplified publishing and introduced community features like reader comments, transforming blogs into interactive social networking spaces.

Underlying Technology

Infrastructure and Platforms

Blogs are essentially websites, created using various software. Options range from dedicated blog hosting services and managed platforms like Medium and Substack, to self-hosted solutions utilizing open-source software such as WordPress or static site generators like Hugo and Jekyll.

From Manual Updates to Automation

Early blogs relied on manual HTML updates via FTP. The development of blogging software streamlined this process, enabling easier content management, post scheduling, and the integration of features like reader comments and archives, making blogging accessible to a broader audience.

Connectivity and Data Flow

Blogs leverage core internet infrastructure, including domain name systems and protocols like HTTP. They often integrate with other web services, facilitating content sharing, syndication (e.g., RSS feeds), and interlinking within the broader blogosphere, creating a dynamic web of information.

Diverse Forms of Blogging

Personal Blogs

These are typically individual online diaries or commentaries, often covering a single subject or personal experiences. While many attract a small audience, some achieve significant readership and even lucrative advertising sponsorship.

Collaborative and Group Blogs

Characterized by multiple authors contributing content, these blogs often focus on a unifying theme like politics or technology. They represent a pooling of resources and readership, fostering diverse perspectives within a shared platform.

Microblogging and Mobile Content

Microblogging involves sharing short digital content (text, images, links) on platforms like Twitter or Weibo. Its portability and spontaneity have made it a popular mode of communication, enabling quick updates and interactions on the go.

Corporate and Niche Blogs

Organizations utilize blogs for internal communication (corporate blogs) or external marketing and public relations. Niche blogs cater to specific interests, ranging from fashion and travel to science and politics, creating specialized communities.

The Blogosphere Ecosystem

Blogosphere Dynamics

The "blogosphere" refers to the collective community of blogs and their authors. Interconnections through blogrolls, comments, and backlinks create a networked ecosystem where information and discourse flow, influencing public opinion and media trends.

Discovery and Aggregation

Specialized blog search engines and aggregators (like Planet software) help users discover content and manage subscriptions. Platforms like Global Voices aggregate international blogs, highlighting voices often unheard in mainstream media.

Monetization and Advertising

Blogs often incorporate advertising, including sponsored posts, to cover hosting costs or generate revenue. This commercialization has led to new marketing models but also raises questions about credibility and authenticity within the blogosphere.

Societal and Media Influence

Political Landscape

Blogs have emerged as significant forces in political discourse, influencing public opinion and holding politicians accountable. Early milestones, such as the Trent Lott and Rathergate scandals, demonstrated blogs' power to break news and shape narratives, often bypassing traditional media gatekeepers.

Mainstream Media Integration

The lines between blogs and traditional media have blurred. Journalists increasingly use blogs for commentary and outreach, while news organizations integrate blog content into their platforms. This convergence reflects the evolving media landscape and the growing influence of participatory journalism.

Consumer-Generated Advertising

Blogs have introduced new advertising paradigms, enabling direct consumer engagement and the rise of sponsored content. While offering marketing opportunities, this trend has also sparked debate regarding transparency and the potential erosion of blog credibility.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Defamation and Liability

Bloggers can face legal challenges, including defamation lawsuits, for content posted on their sites. Court decisions have varied, highlighting the complexities of online speech, anonymity, and the liability of internet service providers. Protecting anonymity is often difficult, with legal precedents sometimes requiring disclosure of blogger identities.

Employment and Professional Conduct

Employee blogging can have significant professional consequences. Posts critical of employers or revealing confidential information have led to termination. Cases involving flight attendants, police officers, and tech employees underscore the tension between personal expression and employer rights.

Political Dangers and Safety

In certain political climates, blogging can carry risks, including government surveillance, censorship, and legal prosecution for critical commentary. Bloggers in authoritarian regimes may face imprisonment or other repercussions. Personal safety can also be compromised through cyberbullying and threats, necessitating codes of conduct for online interactions.

Blogging Software Landscape

Managed Platforms

Services like Medium and Substack offer integrated solutions for blogging, providing features such as content management, previewing, paywalls, and newsletter distribution, simplifying the publishing process for creators.

Self-Hosted Solutions

For greater control, users can opt for self-hosted options. This includes robust open-source platforms like WordPress, which offers extensive customization, and static site generators such as Hugo or Jekyll, favored for performance and security.

Specialized Tools

Beyond general blogging platforms, specialized tools exist for specific needs. This includes services for hosting comments, managing social media integration, and creating interactive content, further enhancing the functionality and reach of blogs.

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References

"What's New!". Mosaic Communications Corporation. Retrieved June 15, 2013.

"Australian Net Guide". netguide.aust.com (November 12, 1996). Retrieved June 15, 2013.

Israel Video Blog aims to show the world 'the beautiful face of real Israel', Ynet, February 24, 2008.

Stephan Metcalf, "Fixing a Hole", The New York Times, March 2006

Jennifer Saranow, "Blogwatch: This Old House", The Wall Street Journal, September 2007

McQueen MP. (2009). Bloggers, Beware: What You Write Can Get You Sued. The Wall Street Journal.

Doe v. Cahill, 884 A.2d 451 (Del. 2005).

A full list of references for this article are available at the Blog Wikipedia page

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This content has been generated by an AI, adopting the persona of a Professional PhD Professor, for educational purposes. It synthesizes information from publicly available data, aiming for accuracy and academic rigor suitable for a Master's level audience.

This is not professional advice. The information presented here is for educational context and should not substitute consultation with experts in digital media, journalism, law, or technology. Always refer to authoritative sources and qualified professionals for specific guidance.

The creators of this page are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information provided.

The Digital Chronicle

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

What is a Blog? ℹ️

✍️ Definition

🌐 Evolution of Online Publishing

💬 Interactivity and Community

Historical Trajectory ⏳

📜 Genesis of the Term

🚀 Early Precursors and Pioneers

📈 Rise in Popularity

Underlying Technology 💻

🔧 Infrastructure and Platforms

⚙️ From Manual Updates to Automation

🔗 Connectivity and Data Flow

Diverse Forms of Blogging 🗂️

👤 Personal Blogs

👥 Collaborative and Group Blogs

📱 Microblogging and Mobile Content

🏢 Corporate and Niche Blogs

The Blogosphere Ecosystem 🌍

🌐 Blogosphere Dynamics

🔍 Discovery and Aggregation

💰 Monetization and Advertising

Societal and Media Influence 📣

🏛️ Political Landscape

📰 Mainstream Media Integration

🛒 Consumer-Generated Advertising

Legal and Ethical Considerations ⚖️

⚖️ Defamation and Liability

💼 Employment and Professional Conduct

🔒 Political Dangers and Safety

Blogging Software Landscape 🛠️

☁️ Managed Platforms

📦 Self-Hosted Solutions

🔄 Specialized Tools

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What is a Blog?

Definition

Evolution of Online Publishing

Interactivity and Community

Historical Trajectory

Genesis of the Term

Early Precursors and Pioneers

Rise in Popularity

Underlying Technology

Infrastructure and Platforms

From Manual Updates to Automation

Connectivity and Data Flow

Diverse Forms of Blogging

Personal Blogs

Collaborative and Group Blogs

Microblogging and Mobile Content

Corporate and Niche Blogs

The Blogosphere Ecosystem

Blogosphere Dynamics

Discovery and Aggregation

Monetization and Advertising

Societal and Media Influence

Political Landscape

Mainstream Media Integration

Consumer-Generated Advertising

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Defamation and Liability

Employment and Professional Conduct

Political Dangers and Safety

Blogging Software Landscape

Managed Platforms

Self-Hosted Solutions

Specialized Tools

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice