Blogs are far more easily defined by their formal qualities as opposed to their actual content. This is as blogs span across a vast array of topics which do not fit a single mould. Typically, as defined by Adrian Miles, blogs are web based publications that are made up of “entires of varying length…that are published in reverse chronological order so that the most recent entry appears first.” Generally the blog (a combination of the words web + log), is more conversational and personal in style which encourages the readers to engage with the subject matter by commenting, liking and sharing. It’s a new form of media which rose to power in the early 2000’s and has evolved into a mass industry that is cumulative in nature. In order to be literate in and truly understand the blog, one must not simply read a blog but engage with its content by commenting and continuing to be involved with material the author produces.

Blogging in terms of an academic sense, can prove to be highly beneficial. When used for reflection of learning, I have found that they are able to help me ‘connect the dots’ of what I have learnt and think of new ways to complete tasks in the future. Furthermore, as the workplace continues to become more in tune with the digital world, blogs can be used as on online port folio to showcase writing and a person’s ability to navigate the world wide web. I find this professional use of blogs incredibly exciting and am keen to establish myself as well versed blogger in Network Media.