In 2007, Technorati announced that the blogosphere was growing at a rate of 120,000 new blogs per day. Every 1.4 seconds, a new blog is created. Many of these new bloggers are hoping to ride the wave that has made many bloggers some part time money. Others began blogging as a way to let off some steam. An even smaller contingent decided to blog about their lives, in hopes that someone, somewhere will read. Whatever the reason, bloggers integrate certain technologies with their lifestyle as they make their blog entries each day. I have outlined the most popular and essential ones below.
The Software. The most important piece of blogging technology is the content creation and management platform. Without it, there is no blog. It is important to choose a system that fits withing your personal lifestyle and needs. For the basic blogger who is looking for ease of use and practicality, a software platform like Blogger or today.com should suffice. For the blogger who is looking to have a customized and “tricked out” blog, it is more advisable to use a platform like WordPress or MovableType. I am personally biased toward WordPress blogging software. It’s super support network, and vast developer base make it a really wonderful blogging platform.
RSS Feeds. Perhaps the second most essential piece of technology, for the blogger who desires to be widely read. The RSS feed is what enables readers to know when new content is posted, without even having to visit the website. Often times a blogger’s succes is measured by the amount of feed readers they have, however it is a rather easy number to manipulate when the right tactics are employed. Most blog setups are preinstalled with RSS feed features, however it is generally preferable to make use of a service like FeedBurner or FeedProxy for reader analytics purposes.
The Hardware. No computer, no blog. So what to blog from? You name it, it has been done. Most bloggers are content to sit down and make use of a PC, laptop, or a netbook to get their content spun. Others are less easily amused. They choose to blog from the full keypad of their Blackberry or iPhone. I just can’t get into that kind of thumb acion. I have yet to see a blogger posting in T9 from their mobile phone, but I am sure it has been done before. Much of a bloggers choice in hardware comes down to personal preference. If portability is desired, a laptop, netbook, or smartphone should do nicely. If formality and focus is desired, perhaps the home office PC is the best option.
These are the three most essential pieces of technology for the blogger’s lifestyle. I will be interested to know which ones you think should be the contenders for the top of the list.
{ 0 comments… add one now }
Leave a Comment