Continuing my series on blogging, this post answers the question: Who blogs? If you missed the first two posts in this series you can read them here and here.
The simple answer to the question is, yes anyone can blog. Blogging is not really restricted to any type of person or for any specific reason. Now with that said, should everyone blog? Definitely not. I have seen some blogs where I’ve thought to myself – this person really needs to get a hobby. If you’re thinking of starting a blog, ask yourself this question: Do I have something of value I want to share with all the good people in the blogosphere? If the answer is no or if you’re just wanting to journal your most personal feelings, set-up a private blog, or just journal on Google documents. Sorry to be so blunt, but the world doesn’t need to know why your boyfriend broke up with you.
Those that should blog are those that really have some kind of information to share with the world. Sometimes that information is wisdom or insight, sometimes that information is simply keeping friends and loved ones informed. For example, a missionary oversees blogging about their ministry would be very helpful for his/her supporters to stay in touch.
Understanding who should blog, many of you may not be aware of a very useful tool in reading blogs – a blog reader. Basically what a blog reader does is consolidate a number of blog feeds in one place so you don’t have to jump from site to site. Two of the best blog readers are Bloglines and Google Reader. I’ve used both, I personally like Google Reader because it integrates easily with my iGoogle home page, but check them out and see what works best for you.
Well, that’s the end of the series. I know the posts were long (really long), but I hope you’re now a little better informed about blogs. Now get out there and dive on into the vast expanse that is the blogosphere!
Nick Poole 