Do You Blog?

Dear Authors,

Welcome to Book Buzz Blog #24. This is the first Book Buzz that is being published online as a blog. (Previous BB's have been added to the BBB Archives to make them easily accessible to you.) The previous Book Buzz numbering scheme has been maintained for convenience in finding topics. Now that the housekeeping is out of the way, on to our subject...

DADDY, WHAT'S A BLOG?

Four weeks ago, I was convinced that blogs were either a new internet conspiracy to frustrate the technologically challenged, OR some new kind of computer virus! After attending a recent teleseminar on the subject, I realized that my deepest fears about blogs were unfounded. Actually, blogs have been around for a few years. It is only recently that they have come to the media's attention in the wake of blogs that exposed some funny business at one of the major networks (OK, it was CBS).

Now, here I am a few weeks later, having scrapped the idea of delivering my e-zine via email! What's going on? The "why" question has been answered in my previous post (adding a message to a blog is called "posting") entitled "Welcome to Book Buzz Blog." The "how does this work" question is about to be answered...

When you clicked the link in the email I sent you announcing this blog, you were more or less instantly taken to the page you are now reading. Let's take a brief tour:

1. At the top of the page is the header which displays the name of the blog, a brief description, my photo, and some info about me.

2. Below that, on the left, is a column showing links to the various postings. Here you'll find links to some of the previous Book Buzz material.

3. Below that, still on the left, are links to various archives.

4. To the right, in the wider column, you'll find the text of the most recent posts (like this one). If you scroll down the page, you'll find several posts in succession.

5. Now here's where it gets really interesting. At the end of each post is an icon of an envelope. Click it if you want to send a copy of the post to someone else.

6. Next to that icon is a link called "comments." Click it if you want to comment on my post (my article). Now we have some two-way communication going--online. A box will pop up where you can type your comments, or questions. You will need to register to be able to leave comments. No biggie.

Now, if someone makes a comment, or asks a question, it's possible for others to join in on the discussion (this is what is known as a discussion thread). Soon there might be several people joining in on the discussion. When this happens over and over again you are participating in what is referred to as an online community. In this case, a community of authors.

Should you post a comment to one of my articles? Yes, if you want to. Should you ask a question? Yes, if you have one. Should you answer another author's question? Yes, if you have some insight or experience that you'd like to share with them. Some blog discussions can get quite lengthy.

DO YOU WANT TO BLOG TOO?

Blogging is really the easiest way to have a web presence. (You can even add photos to your blog.) If you'd like to give it a try, click the button at the right-hand top of the screen "GET YOUR OWN BLOG." Then follow the simple on-screen instructions. It's free when you use Google's Blogger service (that's what this is).

So, what do you think? Have questions? Comments? If so, just look below for the "comment" link and ask or comment to your heart's content!

Warmest Regards,
Brian Banashak
©2005 Brian Banashak