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Lately I’ve been thinking about the definition of a blog. Weblogs are a fairly new phenomenon. They range from the professional and highly political to the pathetic and obscene.
According to Whatis.com, a blog is the following:
“On the Internet, a blog (short for weblog) is a personal journal that is frequently updated and intended for general public consumption. Blogs generally represent the personality of the author or reflect the purpose of the Web site that hosts the blog. Topics sometimes include brief philosophical musings, commentary on Internet and other social issues, and links to other sites the author favors. The essential characteristics of the blog are its journal form, typically a new entry each day, and its informal style. The author of a blog is often referred to as a blogger. Many blogs syndicate their content to subscribers using RSS, a popular content distribution tool."
Fair enough. While reading and commenting on others blogs this weekend I realized that not everyone sees their blogs the same way I see mine.
For me, a blog is a place to post about who I am, and what I think about stuff. I welcome comments, both good and bad. Criticism actually makes me think, and I never delete comments I receive. I realize that everything I post is up for debate/criticism and I respect others ability to challenge me. Even if I don’t agree with them, I realize it’s their right to an opinion.
While looking at other people’s blogs I’ve found that there are those who don’t welcome any sort of feedback unless it’s positive. While it is their right, I wonder what good is it to have something as public as a blog if you are unwilling to accept others opinions. I have always remained respectful in my comments, even if they are negative.
This weekend I ran across a blog by a woman who puts the feminist movement back 100 years. It was frustrating for me to see this kind if ideology being put forth for younger woman to read and possibly emulate. After a lively comment debate, my comments were erased and I received a nasty t mail instructing me (with much profanity) to mind my own business. Point taken.
For all you other bloggers out there, I’d like to know how you define your blog. Is it something private that you write for yourself? Is it to get feedback? What do you do when someone disagrees with you? I fear I may have had the wrong idea about what a blog is. Feedback would be appreciated!
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