Blogging, derived from the expression web-logging, has become a widely popular behavior nowadays.
In the end of the first decade of the 21st century, is there really still a point in having to explain blogging? I doubt it. Most people know that blogging is. But to those who are unfamiliar with the term: what is blogging? Blogging basically means having an online personal diary which you share with the public. There are individuals who create ten blog posts a day, others write a blog post every month or so. In fact, millions and millions of people are blogging each and every day, and some are actually making a decent living out of it.
Many inquire what is the appeal of that? Exhibitionism? Yes, to some that is the case. To other people blogging means being able to share stories. To other it gives the ability to share work experiences as well as network: there are many professional blogs in fundamentally every niche you can think of: internet marketing, cooking, cars, classic cars, insurance, health, GPS satellites, personal computers, back pain, stomach pain, headaches, chronic fatigue and so on.
I have an acquaintance with such a professional blog where he shares various experiences he has learned throughout his days (he is a manager). I have a friend with a personal blog where he shares personal anecdotes about his life and family (he has 3 toddlers at home: therefore, much to say). I have a friend that has a funny blog, where he share all the funny stories he hears of. I even have a friend with a photo blog where he posts a new - and gorgeous - photo every single day. I even knew a guy who had a specialized version of a photo blog: he used to share pictures of all the meals he ever ate. Indeed, the blogging arena is that varied.
The point is that this new media offers alternatives that until recently never existed. In other words, blogging in the 21st century new cousin of journalism. It allows everyone to open a PC, write a story, and effectively become a journalist whose articles can in theory be read by millions. While this carries with it plenty responsibilities, it is also a great tool for free speech and freedom of information.