Blogging – Is it useful?

Blogging is a very popular pastime for many people today, irrespective of age and occupation. People express their views freely in their blogs. These opinions sometimes reach the right persons, who take the necessary steps if something is to be corrected. When I read some blogs I am full of praise for the talent that is evident in the writers. I also wonder why these people are not professional writers whose works can gain more “visibility.”

Some of the best blogs I have read are on the travel experiences of the writers and their companions. By reading about places from these blogs, one can learn a lot about them. Some people have a gift of describing places so well that one feels the experience. A couple of people in our faculty also write blogs on their travel experiences. In fact, there are quite a few of our faculty members who write on varied topics. One of my colleagues writes on innovative topics on Art like handbag making, diyas, nail art and so on. Another colleague specialises on food. Her blogs on pastry are very informative and educative and makes your mouth water.....yummy !!!!!!.

There are many blogs relating to current affairs. These are also very interesting since one gets to know various shades of opinion of the general public. I read a few blogs on the anti corruption movement and they gave me an insight on how sharply divided the nation is on the means of protest that the activists employ.

You name the subject, be it finance, marketing, human resources, engineering or any other topic, one can get a huge amount of information and knowledge. Some people take blogging so seriously that they even employ writers for their blogs. These writers draft their blogs and they post them after reading and approving them. I am saying all this because blogging, according to me, is a powerful medium of communication. Further, they comments you receive on your blog will add to your knowledge or make you relook at your point of view.

What is the difference between a blog and a regular article? In my view, a blog has no restriction on flow and sequence. You can write as thoughts come to you, whereas an article has to be properly structured. The author of an article has to follow proper language usage, whereas the blogger can afford to use non conventional words and expressions to convey his views in text.

Having said all this one has to ensure that certain ground rules are followed while blogging:

• Never make personal attacks on anyone
• Always respect the others’ views. If you want to differ, say so politely
• Blogs on news, current affairs and politics should be posted promptly as soon as things happen. Otherwise they lose their relevance

The old saying: “The pen is mightier than the sword” is very relevant because blogs can send the right messages to the right people. The blog and the response it gets can serve as a pulse to gauge public opinion on any issue.

SO KEEP BLOGGING TAKING THE RIGHT PRECAUTIONS  !!!!!!!!!!!