Blogging Definition: What is Blogging?
If you’re wondering what blogging is, the answer will differ depending on whom you ask and what they mean by the term blogging. Technically speaking, blogging refers to writing, photography, and other media that’s self-published online—in other words, sharing your thoughts with an audience and encouraging them to participate in your conversation (in some way). However, this isn’t the same as the way most people use the word blogging in everyday speech.
The history of blogging
In 1998, Tim Berners-Lee proposed a new kind of web log, which eventually became known as a weblog. The term weblog was first used on December 12, 1997 by Jorn Barger on his website jo.rg/whirl; it was picked up and used in 1999 by Peter Merholz, who jokingly broke the word weblog into its acronymized components web log. Shortly thereafter, Evan Williams at Pyra Labs created WordPress, a blogging tool that made blogging simple to do and easy to manage. Since then millions of blogs have been created all over the world allowing anyone with an Internet connection to be published online. A 2008 Pew Internet & American Life Project study found that 16% of online adults said they had created or posted comments on someone else’s weblog or an online journal entry. So why do so many people take to writing their opinions and thoughts online?
Why people blog
People start blogs for different reasons, but usually it’s because they want to get something off their chest. Whether you’re looking to make new friends, connect with an audience of millions or just create a space to vent your thoughts and feelings, blogging can help. It’s also a fun way to grow your network and make valuable connections that might even turn into real-life relationships down the road.
How much do bloggers make?
It’s hard to pinpoint a blogger salary range, because it depends on so many factors, including industry, expertise, audience size and platform. On average, however, a full-time blogger can expect to make about $35k annually. If you do well for yourself (and manage to stick with it), your income could go up from there; some bloggers are rumored to earn as much as six figures.
How to start a blog
Start a new website. Do some research on what type of content you’d like to publish, and start writing and creating that content. Remember that it takes time to develop a following online, so don’t be discouraged if your first few posts don’t receive many views or comments—it will come with time.
Where can you get blogging advice?
If you’re new to blogging, there are plenty of places to get blogging advice. You could look for a class at your local community college or even online. Just be sure that whatever option you choose offers practical tips and an in-depth exploration of what it means to be a blogger. You can also turn to blogs as a way to network with other writers. As you start blogging, search through Google or Twitter for bloggers who have similar interests and passions; connect with them on social media so they can become mentors as well as friends. Don’t forget: looking inward is just as important as looking outward when it comes to getting professional help while blogging; always check within first before seeking out external sources!