This document provides an overview of blogs, including what they are, their attributes, related terms, why businesses and individuals may want to create one, and tips for effective blogging. A blog is a type of website where users can post content on a regular basis in reverse chronological order. It functions as an online journal or discussion site on a particular topic. Blogs allow for interaction through comments and sharing content through syndication and RSS feeds.

1. Blogs Overviewhttp://topsarge.comDan Elder, MKMPCollaboration Specialist and Digital Media Advisordan.elder@topsarge.com

2. What’s a blogPart web sitePart journalPart free-form writing spaces thatHave the potential to enhance writing and literaryskills while offering a uniquely stylized form of expression.An effective medium for many business owners who lack strong computer skillsA blog is about creating a conversation

3. What’s a blog?A Blog is a web site that often provides commentary or news on a particular subject, such as food, politics, or local news; some function as more personal online diaries.A Blog is a web site that allows an author to publish instantly from any Internet connection. A blog can be interactive, allowing you and customers to begin conversations, or add information published there.

4. Distinct attributesUnlike threaded discussions, only the author of a blog can create a new topic, called making a post, for a discussion.Unlike email, blogs are sites where authors post in reverse chronological order.

5. Related termsWeblogBloggingBloggerBlogosphere – all blogs, or the blogging community. Also called blogistan or just blogspace.

6. Blogging statistics

7. Blog Search EnginesFeedster: www.feedster.comBlog Search: www.blogsearchengine.comGoogle Blog Search: blogsearch.google.comBloogz: www.bloogz.comBlogdigger: www.blogdigger.comBloglines: www.bloglines.comTechnorati: www.technorati.com

8. What blogs are NOTA place to just turn in papers.A replacement for a message board.Something that will sit there and run itself.Benign, boring document without hyperlinksor references.A place to write in the 3rd person.

9. What blogs AREA place to share your reflections about yourpassion.Part of a conversation.A tool to extend class conversation outsidethe classroom.A place to site your opinions.A place where decision makers are lookingto spot trends and opinions.A place to promote yourself and your opinions.

10. Why Should Businesses Blog?Blogs are easy to create.Many are free. Those that are not freeare affordable.You can build a worldwide audience for your opinions.You can syndicate your blog, that is, make the blog available to Internet users who subscribe to their blog.

11. Why You Might Not Want to Blog?It takes time to keep a blog updated.No confidentiality.The worldwide audience may be scary.

12. Where to blogLiveJournalWordPressTypePadMoveable TypePosterousTumblr

13. Features to Look ForReader comments“Track back” to other blog postsEasy RSS feedsDesign templatesPost to future datesCategoriesBlogrolls

14. Six habits of good bloggers• If you mention it, hyperlink it.Get a good title.Write and then cut in half. Someone oncesaid, “I would write a shorter letter, but Idon’t have time.”Write and then format.Draw a picture.Make sure you set your pages to archive.

15. Blog checklist Blog TitleShare ButtonsSubscribe by EmailCalls to ActionSocial MediaBlog CategoriesNext StepComments

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17. BlogsQuestionsVisit www.topsarge.com for details on how we can help you with your social media strategy. http://topsarge.comhttp://topsargebusinesssolutions.comTime Saving Tips for Social Media ManagementThank You@dandotelderdan.elder@topsarge.comhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/topsargehttp://www.facebook.com/tbs.txDan Elder, CKMPCollaboration Specialist and Digital Media Advisordan.elder@topsarge.com