When my husband suggested a few years ago that I start blogging I had very little understanding of what a blog was let alone what blogging entailed. What I now realize is that he was suggesting a project to keep me occupied wherever we were living at the time. With hindsight I believe neither of us had any idea of how consuming this blog gig could become.
Blogging has definitely become my creative outlet and I enjoy the entire process from choosing the subject, to researching background information, to writing the post, and sharing our photographs and their memories. So when my husband teases me that he created a blog monster, I simply respond “well, it was your idea” and I then I thank him very much for this wonderful gift.
I think a good place to start is by defining the whole concept of blog, blogging, and blogger in order that we can be on the same page. Here is a little snap lesson on blog terminology to get us started:
Blog is a short form for the word “weblog” and the two words are used interchangeably. As often happens in the English language, many derivatives of the word blog have been created. One who participates in the activities of maintaining a blog is known as a blogger and the activity of keeping a blog is known as blogging. So we could say that the blogger blogs in his blog!
The following terms will define and help in explaining what the whole blog thing is all about:
Blog (noun): a journal that is on the Internet for others to read and see.
Blogger (noun): a person who keeps a blog. Bloggers are revolutionizing the way news and interests are shared.
Blog (verb): The action of writing a blog. Blogging is my way of sharing my interests with the world. Even Snoopy is into blogging!
I wonder who Snoopy is writing. Maybe Jim who suggested he start blogging?
Many people are still confused over what constitutes a blog over a website. Part of the problem is that many businesses use both, combining them into a single web presence. But there are two features of a blog that set it apart from a traditional website.
Paco Bear is my blog helper and I couldn't do it without his support!
Whether it's a “lifestyle travel" blog like MEXICO AND BEYOND: LAURA'S PHOTO JOURNEY where I share experiences of living all over the maps of Latin America, or a food blog sharing new recipes, or a business providing updates to its services, blogs need to have new content added often and on a fairly regular basis.
Blogs also allow for reader engagement. Blogs are often included in social media because of the ability for readers to comment and have a discussion with the blogger and with others who read the blog which makes it “social.” The success of blogging comes from having people return and they only return when there is new content to read. Blogging requires a good deal of time, but I find the entire experience very rewarding.
After three years of blogging I was becoming concerned that I would shortly run out of new experiences to share. I then realized that sharing the cultures, traditions, and other aspects of the previously posted countries opened up new and more exciting possibilities for my blog. And with this new direction I am enjoying the whole blogging experience more and more.
WHAT IS A VISUAL BLOG?
The term for my type of blog is Visual Blog, but the term Photo Blog is also widely used. A blog that shares information and is highlighted with visual/photo images is a Visual Blog and my blog MEXICO AND BEYOND: LAURA'S PHOTO JOURNEY definitely qualifies under this definition as is evident in its name.
A Visual Blog post is easily identified as the the text is supported by a number of images rather than a few images supporting the text. Visual images are used to tell a story or deliver information hopefully in an interesting and attractive manner. I rely primarily on the many, many photographs we have taken over the years of living our “nomadic” lifestyle.
In addition, I am now using new forms of visual images including enhanced photographic effects, GIFS, and still motions for added interest. I just might be on the verge of being called a “techno geek” in this regard thanks to my techno wizard of a husband and I am loving it. It has definitely added to my blogging experience and I hope my blog readers are benefiting from it also.
I believe the English language idiom “a picture is worth a thousand words” is very valid and it is certainly what my blog is all about. It refers to the concept that an idea or thought can be conveyed with just a single still image or that an image of a subject conveys its meaning or essence more effectively than a description does. A very similar sentiment is expressed in the Chinese proverb: “One picture is worth ten thousand words.” I am just thankful that I never had to learn Chinese characters or I probably would never have become a blogger!
Busy fingers and a fast mouse make for happy blogger hands!
Although our lifestyle has become that of "normal occasional travelers" and no longer "full time nomadic wanderers," I continue to click away on my camera for future blog postings. There is still much out there to discover and share and I am as enthusiastic as ever.
Until we meet again, I will keep on clicking images and typing text both of which give me great pleasure in this blogging gig. The following technology illustrates both collages and animated photo albums. I hope you think they are as cool as I do.
With my thanks, appreciation, and best wishes for happy travels wherever they may take you. Saludos, Laura
