ICT: Blog on Blogging

Why have a blog?


Tina Bettison in 'Social Networking for Rookies' states


"The purpose is to engage, inform and entertain, especially if you want to build a community of followers."


But what is a blog? The Oxford dictionary has this definition -


"blog: noun, An Internet website containing an eclectic and frequently updated assortment of items of interest to its author. 1999-. [Shortening of weblog.] So blogger, noun."


Often a blog is likened to a diary.  A diary is a place to record your thoughts, opinions and experiences therefore a blog is indeed like a diary.  The difference comes in the form of interactivity.  A diary is rarly shared with others and it is definitely not a collaborative piece of work.


A blog, on the other hand, offers users and readers the opportunity to share opinions, to comment on the opinions of others and it can also provide a platform for the justification of opinions.  The author can offer information relating to experiences and opinions and provide explanation on their conclusions.


Bettison also refers to the concept that a blog should be subjective.  Without some element of bias a blog will lose the sense of personality that engages the reader.


It is this personality that makes a blog an ideal medium for reflection.  Entries that are formed quickly demonstrate initial reactions to experiences and this can remind the author of their opinion at a particular point in time.


This is the form of entry that I find most difficult to publish.  From writing these draft entries I am learning a great deal about myself.  I am able to recognise the reactive side of my personality.  I often write an entry that shortly afterwards I no longer completely agree with.  I have learned to hit the save button rather than publish.  Bettison would say this technique detracts from the blogging experience and perhaps I could contribute my reaction to a lack of confidence in sharing my opinions.


Either way I know that I am on a learning journey and the posts that I publish will hopefully demonstrate this to readers and perhaps more importantly to myself.  I have a record of my progress which in turn can provide a basis for future reflection.  Like watching a child grow: if you see them every day the gradual change can be barely noticeable until you compare their current height to the measurement taken six months previously.  In six months time I will have a comparison point that will highlight the contrast between my current knowledge and the knowledge that I have gained.


Over the last year I feel I have learned a great deal, yet the more knowledge I gain the more I see how much I still have to learn.  This can be linked to the words of Socrates "scio me nescire", the most common translation for this being "I know that I know nothing".  The partner sensation to this statement is what gives me the desire and motivation to find out more.  The more I feel my amateur status the greater my hunger for the next experience, the next chance to grow in knowledge.


This is the best description that I can currently offer for my love of learning.  I learn from everything but most importantly I learn from everyone.