Web 2.0 Blogs

What are Blogs?
The term "blogs" is a shortened form of "web logs." The casual term is used because the medium tends to be less formal than traditional sources of news and information. Blogs are usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or videos. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. Most blogs are interactive, allowing visitors to leave comments and even message each other via widgets on the blogs and it is this interactivity that distinguishes them from other static websites.

History
The term "weblog" was coined by Jorn Barger on 17 December 1997. The short form, "blog", was coined by Peter Merholz who broke the word weblog into the phrase we blog in the sidebar of his blog Peterme.com in April or May 1999. Shortly thereafter, Evan Williams at Pyra Labs used "blog" as both noun and verb and devised the term "blogger" in connection with Pyra Labs' Blogger product, leading to the popularization of the terms.

Features of a Successful Blog
1. Post Search Tool
A post search tool is site search that allows visitors to easily search the site for the content they are after. The most intuitive place to display your search is in the top right hand corner of your blog.

2. Easy RSS Subscribe System
Make it easy for subscriber to subscribe a site. Prominently display the RSS subscription signup above the fold (meaning towards the top of the page so users do not have to scroll to find it). Always use a standard RSS logo – it makes people feel comfortable. Also, offer multiple subscription options.

3. Most Recent Post List
A most recent post list is displayed on the home page of a blog so visitors can easily get to the most recent posts. Having a single area on one of the side bars with just the titles of most recent posts can increase visitor retention and page views.

4. Most Popular Post List
People visiting a blog for the first time need to be directed to the most valuable posts. Providing an area on one of the side bars with just the titles of the most trafficked posts can not only increase visitor retention but also increase subscriptions since it shows the true value of a blog.

5. Social Bookmarking Chiclets
Chiclets are those tiny social network bookmark icons on blogs that allow users to easily submit post to social news and network sites like Digg, Reddit, Furl and NewsVine. By allowing users easy access to social news sites, posts submission can be increased and more quality traffic will be driven back to the site through the social media sites. Chiclets are terrific marketing tools for acquiring new readers and engaging the participation of existing readers.

6. Graphical Call to Action
It is not encouraged to place a text link in the blog sidebar to the front page of the Realtors website. Studies show that people are 70% more likely to click on a graphical image (banner ad) than a text link. So, what a blog really needs is a graphical button that clearly spells out the value (home search or home value) and links directly to the search page or CMA on the website.

7. Lead Generator
Use a quality lead generation syste like 1ParkPlace that allows users to search the MLS or get their home value but also requires them to log their information so they can be accessed later.

8. Ping Services
Ping services automatically notify social bookmarking websites like Technorati and blo.gs each time new content is posted. Blogs that use ping services, whether integrated into the platform like RSS Pieces and WordPress or external, are crawled by spiders 82% more than sites that do not use ping services. If a blog does not have an integrated ping services, use an external ping service like Pingoat and Ping-o-matic.

9. Sitemap
Sitemaps help both people and search engines navigate your site. Most blogs are capable of auto generating a user site map and updating it continuously as content is added. To generate Google or Yahoo sitemaps, a special tool such as the free NUAH tool may be needed.

10. Comment Spam Filter
Commenting is an essential part of a blog because it creates community by allowing reader participation. However, blog spam can be very annoying.

Advantages of Blogs

Blog sites can be developed with the help of simple procedures.
A blog post goes public, in other words, it can be accessed and read by almost everyone who have an access to internet.
The usage of blogs are very convenient, hence people tend to use them more frequently.
Students tend to improve their writing skills as blog articles should be reasonably good enough and free of grammatical mistakes.
Students get into the habit of writing which helps them in all their future endeavours.
Blog sites used as online class forums enables students with various personalities to participate in a discussion far more effectively than they can otherwise.
Individuals learn to express their opinions and exchange their views on topics of common interest, which not only keeps them updated but also effective contributor’s of new ideas.
Individuals get a chance to read other blogs, which indirectly helps them to improve upon their skill of writing.
Instructors of online classes get an opportunity to know what students feel about the class and its presentation quality and help to find ways to improve drawbacks if any.
It is place for students and individuals to share their articles and opinions with people outside their community.

Disadvantages of Blogs

It involves a lot of time to update and post an entry on the blog site.
Regular writing may give rise to slangs and sloppy way of writing, spoiling the quality of proper usage of language.
One major drawback is that not all information can be shared on blog sites. Hence it may not be useful for everyone.
The need to have a computer may not be feasible for everyone.
Individuals and students may have reluctance in getting used to the technological advancements.
Blogging cannot be trusted upon students who are hardly interested in reading and replying to the post.
Blogging on day to day issues is different from writing on the subject. Hence it may not be a practical idea to force them to do it.
There is no confidentiality as it is a public forum.
It can no way be related to conversation, as there is always a time gap in the replies received.
It is not suited for issues requiring immediate solution.
Blogs create a sense of students competing with each other just for posting entries. The fear of students getting diverted away from the subject is an issue of concern.
The moment students open to the web; it is not just the blogging site that they can have access to. The whole world of information is before them, hence there is every chance that they may get diverted away from the discussion.

Blog Providers

To start a blog, all you need is just get a blog provider. There are many choices out there. With a free blog provider, you do not have to buy a domain name and there is no need to buy any hosting package. You can directly register your account and start your blog for free. You can blog about anything as you wish as long as you meet the terms and condition of blog provider. Below is a list of free blog providers: