Blogs task

1. Definition of 'Blog': 
Definition of blog: 'read, write, or edit a shared on-line journal'
http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&defl=en&q=define:blog&sa=X&ei=96N_TLrWFcqNjAfSyvxT&ved=0CB8QkAE

2. Difference between blogs and a normal site:
Normal sites allow you to access information. A blog allows you to share information with other people or just yourself and to view other people's shared information. Websites are more static and in orsder to update it you have to load a html.

3. Why people use blogs:
People use blogs because they can share their thoughts and views on a certain subject or issue and like to be able to share their feelings. Some use it as a way to express their feelings. 'People read blogs as a source of information or because they find the writer interesting.' http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_do_people_use_blogs


4. Advantages & Disadvantages
advantages:
-they are easy to use
-they are easy to create and mantain
-Blogs are search-engine-friendly
-Many great blog hosts are free
http://www.theinternetdigest.net/archive/blog-advantages.html

Disadvantages:
-The need to have a computer may not be feasible for everyone
-It involves a lot of time to update and post an entry on the blog site
-There is no confidentiality as it is a public forum
-It is not suited for issues requiring immediate solution
http://www.onlineedublog.com/blogs/

5. 3 news stories about blogs:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1109622/Police-officer-resigns-internet-blog-listed-Muslims-chavs-things-annoyed-him.html
'Police officer resigns over internet blog where he listed 'Muslims and chavs' as the things that most annoyed him '
A police officer has resigned after posting foul-mouthed rants and racist slurs on his blog.


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-1262528/Lisa-Lynch-How-writing-blog-helped-cope-cancer.html
'I wanted normality, not sympathy': How writing a blog helped a woman cope with cancer'
By writing and reading blogs she managed to feel normal again and began to not feel so alone.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1066435/Civil-servant-charged-porn-site-blog-describes-kidnap-rape-murder-Girls-Aloud.html
'Civil servant charged over porn-site blog which describes kidnap, rape and murder of Girls Aloud'

A civil servant who allegedly wrote an internet article imagining the kidnap and murder of pop group Girls Aloud is being prosecuted under obscenity laws.



6. How are comments useful on a blog:
Comments are useful on a blog because they give you helpful critism so that you can make improvements to your blog. People can also comment on a certain topic you may have blogged about and tell you what they think.