Why blogs are rapidly catching up

Sep 02, 2006

Apart from the fact that for some people blogging is highly addictive, the big reason why blogging is catching up so fast is that it is so easy to create a blog. Take for instance WordPress, Blogger or MovableType (these are the only blogging tools/software I’ve used to blog). Blogger is the easiest among them. Just create an account, set up a blog, choose a fancy template and start publishing your revolutionary thoughts in a jiffy. Using WordPress is a bit difficult (not if you use this version) because you have to register your own domain, arrange for the hosting service, upload the PHP files, create the database using your host’s control panel and then upload templates/themes that you want to use.

Still, it is a lot simple compared to creating and managing a website using a conventional content management system. And since it is easily available and doesn’t cost much, people have more than 1, 2, 3,…,n blogs running at the same time.

But for serious bloggers the ease of publishing is not something that drives them to blog unceasingly. These bloggers really know what impact their blogs can make in their own lives, and in the lives of those who throng to read their blogs. Blogging empowers them to express themselves the way they could never have through the regular online or offline media because of different social, educational and economic barriers. These barriers do not exist when it comes to blogging. You only need a desire to publish, and all the needed tools are there for you. I can give you my own personal example; while reading other blogs and help forums, almost everyday I discover something new about blogging.

Even the corporate world has started looking blogs as more than online journals to chronicle personal experiences. Blogging can help businesses present a more approachable side to their clients and customers. You can read more about the importance of business blogs here.