You can post your question in the comments box at the bottom of the page or email me: jason.molin@mccombs.utexas.edu.
What is a blog?
How do blogs work?
What if I’ve never blogged before?
Ask your question!
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A blog (an abridgment of the term web log) is a website, usually maintained by an individual, with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse chronological order. “Blog” can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog.
Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic. The ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs. – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blog
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Under the hood of every blog is an admin interface that allows you to manage your posts, pages, comments, users, media, etc.
Blogs are little content management systems, meaning they do the work for you. You don’t need to know any code; but you do have to learn the interface. Don’t worry, there are some very simple options.
Basically there are two types of information you publish: posts (which are stacked up on the blog/news page with the latest at the top), and pages (which are more static content, linked off the main navigation).
Many bloggers will tell you that it’s not really a blog if you don’t enable comments, turning it from a one-way medium into a community discussion. If comments are enabled, then readers have the option of posting their thoughts on your posts. (Again, don’t worry, you can moderate these comments, so that people don’t deface your blog with inappropriate comments or spam.)
Allowing and receiving comments can be the lifeblood of your blog in terms of connecting with your audience (and them connecting with each other). The more popular your blog, the more likely you are to receive (and need time to moderate) comments.
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What if I’ve never blogged before?
Blogging is especially easy if the point of your blog is to highlight who you are and what you know. Then all you have to do is be yourself and write what’s familiar.
The trick is to get the right people to write about your given blog topic. If you are at the heart of the admissions process for your office, just publishing the latest information from your insider perspective will work great. If the topic is student life, then get students you trust to write. If you are a director, publish a director’s blog.
Neither the strategy nor the technology has to be tricky. Workshop classes and support will be provided by the Communications and Computer Services Depts.
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