These days blogs have evolved to have many different uses. For the most part it could be marketing or it could just be distribution of content. Whether or not it's called a blog is another discussion. For example one could argue that using twitter is a form of blogging. Or updating facebook status is a form of blogging. This article, however, will go back to the roots of blogging and take a look at starting a blog of this manner: an online journal.

At its core, a blog is basically an online journal wherein you can digitally pen down your thoughts, ideas, opinions and practically anything that you want people to read. Blogs come in different styles, formats, and settings, depending on the preference of the user. Many blogging sites, offer built in features such as hyperlink, straight texts, pictures etc. Some blogging sites, even allow you to put video and mp3's on your blogs.

What is a blog? A blog contains many blog posts. From there, a blog post contains these features:

title: this is the title of your article or blog post

body: this is the content of your post

trackback: this is when other sites link back to your blog entry

permanent link: this is the link directly to that specific blog entry

comments: this section is for readers to post their comments about your blog entry

Blogging is especially easy today to jump right in and blog right away through the evolution of blogging software. Wordpress and Blogger are the two most popular blogging platforms. Both are web based so you can blog from anywhere. Both also have the ability to change the look and feel and design of your blog at the push of a button. For example when the holidays come you can find a holiday design to put on your blog at the push of a button and then change it back later.

I have been focusing on online journaling for your blog, but as you learn more about blogging keep your mind open as well because there are many uses for blogs. At its base it is a way to distribute information so blogs can be very useful for just about anybody who needs to get information out to others. So once you get used to how a blog works, don't be surprised if you want to start more than one for all your information distribution needs!

Want more info on how to start a blog and all things blogging? Then visit Emil Yau's site How Do You Start A Blog and watch his FREE step-by-step videos today!