How to Blog

In the article, “How to Blog," blogging is proven to be both practical and accessible. Mark Briggs explains that “a good blog is an ongoing conversation,” between the author and the readers. Blogging differs from newswriting because it allows for the writer to be informal and stray from the typical newspaper format. Readers will be able to get a taste of the author’s personality and insight into their sense of humor or passion. Blogging allows readers to participate in the particular blog through posting comments that can be read by the writer or other readers. Along with excess information provided through comments, the author can provide links in their blog to other databases or blogs for other insight or information on the topic. Blogs are also more accessible than newspaper articles and can be updated quickly and at any time.
I think that Bob Baker’s, “The Buzz Factor," is a great example of a blog. This indie music promotion blog is a refreshing blend of advice, podcast links, photos, and conversation between Bob Baker and his readers. Baker provides personal insight for anyone trying to make it big in the music scene and follows with helpful links.
Now that I’m taking Newswriting, I am writing in this blog regularly. Before enrolling in this class, I have kept a Livejournal and regularly check my friend’s blogs to stay updated on their lives back in New Jersey. Blogging has been a great way to organize my thoughts and keep in touch with friends who go to college in other states. As a college student, I am interested in blogs by my friends, news blogs, local activism blogs, and music blogs. Public relations practitioners can utilize blogs to post press releases, release information for their clients, and share campaign ideas.