What is Your Definition of a Blog?
I think we can all agree that the majority of Americans have heard the word, “blog.” But how many can define it? What makes it different from a website? How do businesses use blogs? More importantly … how can your business benefit from a blog?
We’ll be addressing these questions and others at our upcoming Geek Camp. However, to start the discussion early, I would like to ask how you define a blog. Why do you think only 3-6 percent of Fortune 500 companies are blogging? And what benefits do you think blogging provides?
We want your opinion!
Just scroll past my author profile below and “Share Your Comments.” It would be great to hear from you!
A blog is designed with the Attention Whore in mind. It screams, “Look at me! Look at me! I’m sad, I’m happy, I need attention”.
Years ago people had things that they wrote their innermost feelings in… they were called diaries or journals. Any good writing professor or psychoanalyst will tell you that these are great tools to help you express your true feelings.
Now… 21st Century and people are putting their feelings online for all to see. Everyone is now the Editor of the NY Times or Andy Rooney, bitching and moaning about things idiotic things, praising their little crumb-snatcher who just made the J.V. team, etc. All worthwhile… (not really, but play along). But, it turns to a darker side… when people write content hoping to be noticed, to shock and awe.
So, now besides the tons of no-talent professional writers out there, we now have millions of amateur writers further devaluing the Liberal Arts degrees of English or Journalism.
So.. Blogging? Not a fan. Unless you are a Supermodel blogging about your fetish for 1/2 Italian, 1/2 Quaker, fat, broke guys. Then, oh yes, then I’ll be paying attention.
A blog: Opinions and information, not always accurate, about a current news story or topic.
I believe that a BLOG is a way for people to get their opinions out there. It is also a way to do some networking with some like minded people that share the same interests.
A site that is consistently updated by one individual, usually focused on one topic.
A persons on-line diary of sorts? My question…would myspace be considered a blog?
Hi Beka!
Great question. Is mySpace considered a blog?
The quick answer is yes. They have a specific blogging feature where you can post news about yourself and rant about whatever you’d like. mySpace blogs and other types with an “online diary” format fall into one category of blogging: personal.
I believe the existence of personal blogs makes professionals question if such a thing can help their business. Do your clients care what you had for lunch today? That you took your dog to the park? *wink* That you prefer steak over chicken?
Some may, but I would say most won’t.
Instead, they might want to know what is happening in your business. How you’ve been helping your clients and how you might help them. Perhaps others in your field consider you an authority and want to read your opinions about timely topics that affect your industry?
This is where corporate blogging comes in. It takes the best parts of personal blogs and dresses them in a suit. Keep your corporate blog genuine and personal, but make it an extension of your brand / company, not yourself (however, they could be one and the same)
*steps off soapbox*
*deep breath*
Does that help?
Yes actually - thank you!
I think I’ll be signing up for your camp, as almost every new client these days inquires about blogs - uses, benefits etc…so I need to get the low down!
Awesome! See you there!
Blogging is a type of dance performed by words in a cyberspace arena.