To Blog or Not to Blog: Should I for My Business? Should I for Myelf? Should I for Both?

Three years ago, the term "blogging" wasn't part of my vocabulary. (And, if you haven't noticed, it isn't picked up very often as a recognized or correct word in spell checking programs.) I didn't know what it was, why people did it or why blogs existed. What is a blog? Let's look at the literal definition:

"A blog is a user-generated website where entries are made in journal style and displayed in a reverse chronological order.

Blogs often provide commentary or news on a particular subject, such as food, politics, or local news; some function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic. The ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of most early blogs. Most blogs are primarily textual although some focus on photographs (photoblog), sketchblog, videos (vlog), or audio (podcasting), and are part of a wider network of social media.

The term "blog" is a portmanteau, or, in other words, a blend of the words web and log (Web log). "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog.

The term blog is commonly accredited to the web-journal pioneer Travis Petler. He coined the term on his personal blog in early September of 1997 while studying at Brown University. His use of the word spread to other college campus' where other weblogs were present.

As of November 2006, blog search engine Technorati was tracking nearly 60 million blogs." -- wikipedia.com (a chronological history is available on this site, as well)

Once I learned what a blog was, how to use one and how many options were available I was quickly addicted to the practice of blogging. Not only did I have the ability to freely write about any topic Iwould like, but there's a lot of opportunity to do customization similar to that of web page design. Many bloggers use blog software that offers the ability to mirror the design on the web pages, so they flow together and belong.

For an extensive list of blogging terms, visit here.