"A blog, short for Web log, is often described as an online diary. The most recent entries (called posts) appear on the home page of the blog with links to archives of old posts. Archives are organized by date and can be categorized by topic. Often, each post will have a form for readers to add their own comments and to give opinions or reactions to the post content.

But that's just what a blog looks like. It doesn't really tell you why a blog is different from a conventional Web site.

The real genius in blogs shows itself in how they are written. You can update your blog instantly from any Internet connection on any computer anywhere in the world - even from your summer home in the Bahamas as you sip an ice-cold island cocktail. Blogs are designed for people who don't want to learn (or don't have the time to learn) HTML or Web design. You use a special type of blogging software (called a blog platform) to create and update your blog. You type your post into a simple online form, click "Publish," and it's instantly available online for the whole world to see. It's super easy. If you can send an e-mail, you can publish a blog.¹

1. You are an aspiring entrepreneur and want to share your expertise. I don't think there is a faster way these days to get noticed by your market and jump in the search engine rankings than writing a blog. If you need to stay in your corporate job for awhile as you develop your business plan, save money and research your market, you can start to build up credibility and contacts with your blog. The blogging world (dubbed blogosphere) is very democratic. If you are a newcomer and have something worthwhile to say, people will listen. If you use it as an opportunity only to sell yourself or talk about your cat, no one will tune in.
   
   
2. You are a frustrated writer and need to get in the habit of writing frequently. There is something different about writing blog posts than other types of writing such as newsletters or essays. The technology makes it really easy to write a post and publish it yourself. I find that I do not struggle with writer's block half as often with my blog posts as I do with other forms of writing. The only way to build your writing muscles is by writing often. Blogs are great vehicles for writing.
   
   
3. You are feeling isolated and want to jump in and get involved in the world. You will be truly amazed at the huge community that exists in every corner of the blogosphere. I have made some really wonderful friends since I started blogging six months ago that I never would have met otherwise. They write from all over the world, and make me feel less like a solitary work-at-home Mom in Arizona and more like an active citizen of the world.

1. You get opinions from real people, not marketing machines. I trust a review of a product or a service coming from a respected blogger much more than a trade publication or advertisement.
   
   
2. You get exposed to a much wider range of opinions than your newspaper or news portal. I often enjoy reading the comments people add to blog posts as much as the original post. And people often include links to other blogs in their posts which add complimentary information or different angles.
   
   
3. You support freedom of speech. There is something liberating about sharing your unedited opinion with the world. In some corners of the world (and this country!) where there are repressive governments, bloggers are able to sneak their perspective out and share it with the world. I am so glad that we have this freedom.

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