How to Use Blogging Jargon
To a large extent, bloggers use a language all their own. This isn't to imply that most of what bloggers write can't be understood by someone with a basic knowledge of their blogs' topics; yet, it does mean that certain terminology they use--known as blogging jargon--is definitely well outside mainstream vocabulary. Case in point: the word "blog." Read on for some tips on learning and using blogging jargon.
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Instructions
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Read a lot of blogs. The Internet is swarming with them. You'll find blogs on almost any topic imaginable, so you should be able to locate many that interest you. One way to find them is to do a Google search: simply enter a word or words that describe the topic you're interested in and choose "Search Blogs." This will take you to many fascinating sites where you can begin familiarizing yourself with the blogging jargon they use every day.
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Visit such online blogging communities as Technorati, MyBlogLog, StumbleUpon and BlogCatalog. These sites list thousands or millions of blogs, so you'll be able to take your pick of interesting blogs to visit and also learn a lot about blogging jargon while there.
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Participate actively in the blogs you visit by leaving thoughtful comments about the topics discussed by the bloggers and their readers. Many blogs have vibrant communities, and you'll not only learn a great deal, indirectly, by becoming involved in these communities; but when you comment on the blogs you enjoy, you'll also make friends. These "blogging buddies" will generally be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about blogging, as well as to explain any specific blogging jargon you don't understand.
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Talk to a real, live blogger. You'd be surprised how many people write blogs today. Many people use blogging to write personal online journals, while others do what's known as "niche blogging," blogging about a specific topic, such as writing, blogging or weight loss. Still others write blogs to promote their businesses and connect with customers. Ask around to find out whether anyone you know blogs. If so, that will provide a great opportunity for you to learn blogging jargon firsthand.
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Try writing a blog yourself. Blogging may be a little scary at first, but it gets easier with time and practice. Quite a few free blog hosting sites make it easy to get started by providing everything you need to set up your blog and guiding you through the process. You'll then "learn by doing," as well as by your continued interaction with your fellow bloggers and your own blog's readers.
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Find a blogging mentor. At first, you may want to simply visit as many blogs about the topic of blogging as you can. These niche blogs are designed to teach bloggers everything they need to know about blogging, and you'll learn a lot there about blogging jargon, what it means and how to use it. Later, you may develop a rapport with a more experienced blogger, whose knowledge could just prove invaluable to you, as you seek to learn as much as possible about blogging jargon. Bloggers tend to be a rather helpful lot and are usually more than willing to lend a hand.
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Write down the definitions of each item of blogging jargon as you learn its meaning. Keep a notebook for this purpose. This will help you remember the often-unusual terms. Then use them as much as you can. Here are a few to get you started: 1. blog - a) n. shortened version of "weblog," an online journal, - b) v. write a blog; 2. post - a) n. a single blog entry, - b) v. publish a blog entry; 3. blogroll - n. list of links to other blogs, usually posted in a blog's sidebar as a recommendation; 4. link love (sometimes "linky love") - generosity in posting links to other people's blogs.
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