What’s a Blog?  And why would I want one?

A blog (or weblog) is a website where you write whatever you want. It can be as personal as a daily diary or as global as a collection of World News items.  It is a place for people to learn more about you or what you are interested in.  If you have a computer with Internet access, you can start a blog–FOR FREE!

But why would you want a blog?

§         To share your thoughts, ideas and insights with others. 

§         To share photos. (What a way to show off those vacation photos! – or pics of the kids!)

§         Write articles about your interests – and get feedback.

§         Collect articles written on a particular topic (e.g. see Dr. Zalar’s blog at www.zalaroundation.com/blog or check out my blog) and have them available for others to see.

§         Open an ongoing conversation with friends, family or colleagues. (Attention grandparents – what a great way to keep in touch with what is going on in your grandchildren’s lives!)  

If you have or want to start a business… 

§         You can have a blog that looks and acts like a website, saving money on web design. Or you can add a blog to a website, making the website more interactive and current.

§         You can make updates instantaneously.  (Having a sale this weekend?  Add it to your blog and email customers the link.)

§         You can improve customer service by maintaining a dialog with customers.

§         You can add articles and content to establish yourself as knowledgeable in your field.

§         You can add photos of items for sale quickly and easily. 

Some of the features of blogs… 

§         Blogs can be set up and maintained in plain English – you don’t have to be a “techie.”

§         Blogs can be set up and maintained FOR FREE!  (Really!) 

§         Blogs can be public (open to everyone and available to search engines) or private (only seen by members with a password)

§         Comments can be screened and inappropriate posts can be deleted

§         Digital photos and film clips can be uploaded from camera to computer to blog quickly and easily.

 For more information:  Check out Google’s www.blogger.com or www.wordpress.org.