What is Blogging and Why Do People Blog?

Wikipedia would define the term "blog" as a user-generated website where entries are made in journal style and displayed in a reverse chronological order. Described as an on-line diary, it is meant to contain news and commentary on a wide array of topics --politics, sports, shows or movies, famous personalities, food and places.

Derived from the "Web log", that was half-jokingly meant as "we blog", it was then shortened to blog. The pioneers started in 1996 and 1997 and started a little slowly. Blogs popularity increased sometime in 1999, and to present, millions are using this on-line diary.

Why do people really blog? One obvious reason is for an on-line gathering of people with commonality. A blog could link to friends, rival or even complete strangers discussing a particular issue. Comments are often short, personal and very informal. People become free to express their opinions, and it is a venue open for meeting those who share the same views and interests. Naturally, it is also a place where those who side with opposing views may clash. It becomes controversial, thus exciting and very interesting. Because people agree and debate here, they would keep coming back.

There are some people who create blogs to create a certain impact. They may want to make a name in their field and the things they do. It is a good way to advertise themselves, and their work. True enough, there are bloggers who have made themselves financially rich because of this on-line journaling. These are full-time bloggers who create multiple blogs and earn a steady income by blogging.

Success.com states that a blog could worth $2400 each. Steve Palina, a full-time blogger estimates that his blog could value as much as $1.2 million.

There are some blogs that intend to help others. They intend to group people who have similar illnesses, and discuss in the forum section about their raising concerns. Other than information that they can share, what is very helpful is the support that they are able to give each other.