The Impact of Blogging

Blogging is a way for an inexperienced writer to become known.

The term "blog," short for "weblog," is a wide-ranging term used to describe an online journal or piece of informal writing. Anyone with a computer and Internet access can create a personal blog, while businesses and media outlets often write blogs to give readers additional knowledge about a particular topic. Blogging has a significant impact on both those who read the blog and those who write it.

Reputation

If you have a desire to write on any given subject, but don't have an appropriate venue such as a newspaper or magazine for which to write, you can create your own blog. Though blogs rarely become successful overnight, it's possible to slowly build up your reputation as a skilled and knowledgeable writer by blogging continuously. If a media outlet finds your blog particularly informative, you may have the opportunity to be featured on the organization's website.

Connections

By writing a blog, or even reading one, you can easily make connections with people around the world who share similar interests. Blog providers such as WordPress and Blogger allow you to tag your posts with keywords that are searchable to anyone on the Internet. Through these tags, it's easy to find other people who write about the same topics as you.

Media

Journalists often write blogs that are featured on their respective news organizations' websites. Through blogging, they're able to provide additional details and information about the stories they cover, or write short briefs that wouldn't otherwise make the printed product. Blogs are a way for the media to get information out to its readers quickly and efficiently. Readers can also subscribe to these blogs and get an email alert each time the blog is updated.

Income

Though it's not always easy to accomplish, many people use blogging to create a positive financial impact on their lives. You can create a Google AdSense account to earn money for the clicks on your blog, and if your blog increases in readership, you may be able to seek out related businesses who can advertise on your blog for a fee.

References

• The World Bank; The Impact of Blogs Part II; David McKenzie; August 2011
• E-International Relations: The Impact of Blogging on Domestic and International Politics; Charlie Beckett; January 2008
• Advisor Websites; The Impact of Blogging for Financial Advisors on Their Website Traffic; Lisa Craviero; June 2011