You Are Now Entering the Blogosphere

Whether you call it blogging, online journaling, or keeping a Web diary, blogging has become a booming business in a very short time. Usually part of a Web site that shares personal information, tells stories, or invites interaction, blogs have changed the way people and businesses communicate. Bloggers tell stories about their lives, share opinions on politics, wine or hobbies, or share celebrity gossip or information on new products.

Why blog?
Blogs are an entirely new way to build communities, across age, race, sex and geography. Think of a topic and there is generally a blog about it. If you are a small business owner, blogs are also helpful in raising your online profile in search engines.

If you are interested in starting a blog, there are many online sites to help you get started. Just google “blogs,” and you'll find more information than you can use. Here are just a few tips to consider as you enter the blogosphere.

Suggested Blogging Do's and Don'ts
Here are some tips for writing a successful blog:

1. Know yourself. Be honest. Write what you care passionately about.


2. Know your audience. If you are going to be blogging on a particular topic, make sure you know what you are talking about. Invite your audience to participate in the conversation.


3. Update your blog regularly. If you don't refresh your content at least weekly, people will lose interest. If you have to stop blogging for a while, let your readers know. When you start up again, let them know what you've been up to.


4. Brush up on the rules of basic grammar if you are unsure of them. And remember, just like in high school, spelling counts!


5. Join a blog community to see what other bloggers are up to.


6. Comment on other blogs you have visited.


7. Link to related blogs. The more you have, the more readers will see you as an informed and interesting blogger.


8. Don't plagiarize other sites' content. Even if you credit the original author, don't do it.


9. Keep the comments civil. Don't shoot off angry comments to other blog posts. Keep the comments constructive and don't make personal attacks.


10. Don't use the comments section in other blogs as a way to publicize your own blog.

No matter what your purpose in blogging, you're sure to find it a fascinating way to meet people and explore the world around you online.