A couple weeks ago, my husband asked, “what is this thing called a blog?” Since it was time for a new one, I decided to do a little research.
Everything today is pretty much digital and google has become the favorite source of information. Blogs are basically online journals where people write, post, link and share ideas.
The name was coined “weblog” by Jorn Barger in 1997. Peter Merholz shortened it to blog when he used it on his website in 1999.
Blogs were originally started as a news service. Many were political, an outreach to share information garnering good and bad opinions. Businesses began using them as a customer service tool to promote new items or receive comments about their products.
They originally started as websites but today, more and more people are sharing their interests, arts, home and finance ideas and integrating them into their personal, professional or business websites. Mine are posted under my “What If” tab on my website. My daughter-in-law did a “cookinfanatic” blog several years ago where she shared recipes and cooking trivia. Her blog caught the attention of the Chobani people and they asked her to do a commercial for them! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ro96Au4eqVs
Why do I blog? To keep my name out there and maintain/enhance my writing. In the world of Indie publishing, a strong network of followers is essential. This past Saturday I visited with a book club and hopefully have increased my numbers.
It is more challenging to be creative and come up with an interesting topic. I just concluded a series about my trip to Alaska, not to brag but to share my experience and history of the magnificent state. I plan to continue my Blog Wednesday as the ideas come to mind.
In my research for this blog, I realized I am guilty of a major faux pas. Just as I want to hear from you, my readers, you want to hear from me! “Readers like to know their opinions have been heard.” So, if you have commented on a blog in the past, I hope you received my reply. I promise to do better from now on.