Technically, a blog can be a combination of text,
images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its
topic. Per Wikipedia.org, a web
blog is a discussion or
informational site published on the Internet and consisting of discrete entries.
As you can tell I am writing about blogging on my blog. So why write about
blogging? Well the reason why I am writing about blogging is that truly
blogging is a way for me as well as many other bloggers out there to pretty
much vent to the rest of the world. However, it also has its other purposes
such as allowing others to easily
connect with each other, especially those who share similar views and
interest.
You are probably
thinking, “Wow, where has this guy been in the last decade?” Well to tell you
the truth, I am very new to blogging. This is probably my 3rd blog
post in my life time.Anyways, as I was exploring with different blogging
platforms, I came across Wordpress and Blogger, which I would consider to be
normal web blogging. I also came across using Twitter, which is a form of micro
blogging. To me, both platforms are for blogging purposes. After posting
several Tweets on twitter, I realize that there are many differences between web
blogging and micro blogging and did a little research of my own.
What I found out:
Of the different blogging platforms, the
personal blogs (on websites) are the most common followed by (and rise of)
micro blogs (very short posts like a mini blog) such as Twitter. The rise of
micro blogs is partly due to it being convenient use and fast. It is a way to
keep in touch with all of your friends sharing the information, thoughts, news,
opinions, or leave your comments. To understand
the main both the different platform, features along with pros and cons are detailed
below.
Personal (web)
blogs
The personal blog
can be used as an ongoing diary or commentary. Per Wikipedia.org, personal
bloggers usually take pride in their blog posts, even if their blog is never
read. Blogs often become more than a way to just communicate; they become a way
to reflect on life, or works of art. Blogging can have a sentimental quality.
Few personal blogs rise to fame and the mainstream but some personal blogs
quickly garner an extensive following. One type of personal blog, referred to as
a microblog, is extremely detailed and seeks to capture a moment in time. Some
sites, such as Twitter, allow bloggers to share thoughts and feelings
instantaneously with friends and family, and are much faster than emailing or
writing.
Pros:
·
Blogs – can be
secure
·
Articles has
more page views and more people visiting.
·
More time
required to create.
·
Much more
searchable
·
Content is
easier to monitor and control
·
Content can
include videos and images to tell a story
·
Ease of use
Cons:
·
Need computing device
with a keyboard
·
Takes time to
create a blog
·
Can obtain a
Domain Name
Micro blogging
Micro blogging is a
form of blogging, but with a restriction to the number of characters. Per
Wikipedia.org, micro blogging offers a portable communication mode that feels
organic and spontaneous to many and has captured the public imagination.
Friends use it to keep in touch, business associates use it to coordinate
meetings or share useful resources, and celebrities and politicians (or their
publicists) microblog about concert dates, lectures, book releases, or tour
schedules. A wide and growing range of add-on tools enables sophisticated
updates and interaction with other applications and the resulting profusion of
functionality is helping to define new possibilities for this type of
communication
Pros:
·
Micro blogs are
immediate and instant
·
It is also convenient
and did I mention fast?
·
Make a point in
less than 140 characters through cell phone, email, web, instant messenger, and
so one.
·
There are more
ways to create new blogs –
·
More socially
integrated
·
Can subscribe to
people
·
Can respond/address
to people instantly
Cons:
·
The content of
the micro blogs are not easily secured.
·
Only 140
characters can be typed in to a micro blog
·
No
embedded video or photo support
·
Shared
links are usually hidden by a URL shortener, and that makes it hard for people
to know what you’re linking to ahead of time
·
Not
very many customization options
In summary, despite the
differences between web blogging and micro blogging, I don’t think one form is
better or worse than the other. It really depends how you want to use the
technology and for what purpose you are using it for. Given the fact that they
are used differently, they still have a similar purpose. Both forms can be
still used to reach out and connect with the world.
