We all know PAL. We all know what a TRAINER is. But what about a BLOG?
So before we join the bandwagon, let us clarify the word that has been sweeping the world wide web.
According to Wikipedia, a blog is a type of website with regular entries of commentary, description of events, usually using text with photos, videos or audio. The word lately is being used as a verb similar to the cellphone lingo "text". "Text or call me" or "write or blog about it" as they say.
Uses
Most blogs provide commentary or news about a particular subject. The most popular use of blogs nowadays is as online diaries or journals or "personal blogs".
Francis Magalona, a famous musician and showbiz celebrity, documented his battle with leukemia in his personal blog happy battle.
Others use blogs for business purposes. The boom of internet commerce can be attributed to the free blogsites where pictures, descriptions, prices of products and services can be conveniently shown.
There are many types of blogs. They range from photoblogs (photo documentary), vblogs (video streams), community blogs (organizations, clubs), to podcasts (music/audio). A blog depends on its content and its medium of delivery.
Features
Blogging has been so popular because of the ease it provides to internet social media. Following the success of Friendster, Facebook, Multiply and Twitter, expressing yourself can not only reach your family or friends, but the whole world. The beauty of blogs is that readers can leave comments on how they think and feel about it. They can also choose to forward your blog through e-mail or advertise using hyperlink.
For example, "Wow iba talaga ang service ng PAL! Distinctly Filipino! Now you can buy tickets online here philippineairlines.com."
Responsible Freedom of Expression
Blogging as a form of communication has risks too, and it can have unforeseen consequences if not written carefully.
Several issues have been brought to court against bloggers concerning issues of defamation or libel. Delta Airlines fired a flight attendant because she posted photographs of herself in uniform on an airplane. And she posted comments like, "Queen of Sky: Diary of a Flight Attendant", which the employer deemed inappropriate. The employer argued that employees who blog about elements of their place of employment raise the issue of employee branding, since their activities can begin to affect the brand recognition of their employer. The case highlighted the issue of personal blogging and freedom of expression vs. employer rights and responsibilities.
Freedom of expression is not absolute. It should be well thought of and handled reponsibly in the light of preventing harm to others.
Bloggers, Lets Blog!
Scientists have proven that writing about personal experiences has therapeutic benefits. With the advent of technology, blogging is the most convenient way to write your personal experience.
Research shows that it improves memory and sleep, and it boosts our cell activity.
So what are you waiting for?
Arvee Veloso
Reference: wikipedia.org
