Web Blogging vs. Micro Blogging

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 3^rd 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.