Why Every Writer & Poet Should Blog

Blogging aka 'journaling' has come a long way since its conception in the 1990s. Blogging was introduced for family and friends to communicate online with a touch of creativity. Some blogs were used for the sole purpose of an online diary. Blogging software was created to offer an user-friendly format, that allowed even those that didn't have any knowledge of html or website building. Blogging software is an organized, usually reverse chronological order, format where any user only needs to know how to press the keys (type) on a keyboard.

Today blogging has become much more sophisticated, though the basic start point of any blogware is still type and click (user-friendly). Blogs are now popular among political groups, educators, students, journalist, corporations, entrepreneurs, moms, pops - just about anyone who wants to create an interactive forum for displaying of ones craft, thoughts or opinions, rants and raves. Blogs can be used, to name a few, for art, photography, writing, poetry.

Why Every Writer & Poet Should Blog

A blog can be your best friend. A blog can be your BIO or publisher. A blog can be your creative outlet. If you choose you can allow others to comment to get feedback on a new idea whether a poem or story. If you're a seasoned writer or poet you can help others with advice. You can use your blog as a tool to tell the world of a new book or chapbook you're releasing. Or your blog can be your chapbook. It can be any combination of the above or anything you want it to be.

As you dip your pen further into blogging you will learn of RSS syndication where others can subscribe to your blog and stay up-to-date to your latest with a click of their mouse. You can offer basic 'free' or premium editions or services. You can stay simple with graphics and text or you can express your creative side. In time you will find your links to other writers and poets increasing as well as discovering new publishing avenues and resources. Your readership will be never-ending flowing stream with each passing day.

How To Get Started

Blogs come in many styles and formats. The most common are 2 column, like our portal Splashhall Art & Poetry and 3 column, like our poetry blog Rollin Thunder Poetry and our electic, with a little bit of erotica, blog Blogosphere Zoo. Though there are many blogging communities, the two we use are Blogger.Com and Wordpress.Org.

Blogger.Com is owned by Google and offers both their 'Free hosting on their 'Blogspot' servers or you can use their blogware and host it on your host of choice. They offer many different one-click templates (graphics). Blogger.Com is probably the easiest to get started with.

If you have a little knowledge of html and css then you may enjoy WordPress Blogware. They also have starter templates. With Wordpress you will need your host. The blogware is free also and includes a few more features the Blogger.Com

Splash uses and recommends PowWeb.Com for your hosting service. They offer large amounts of web space and features including one-click WordPress install, their customer service is 'outstanding'. Our poerty and art boards, SplashHall Poetry Boards and blogs have been hosted by PowWeb for over 4 years. You can check them out here or call them toll free at 1-877-476-9932. If you call them be sure to tell them that SplashHall.Org sent you.

Try Blogging For Yourself

I have tried to be brief and to the point. Blogging or blogs are a great tool for writers and poets. In fact I feel its safe to say, that in the near future publishers will ask you for your blog to check out your work - it will be a 'must' and part of your BIO if not your BIO. Use the information above to get started. Also Google some keywords to see what others are doing with writing and poetry blogs. Keyword suggestions - poetry blogs, poem blogs, writing blogs, writer blogs.

Good Luck and if you need some help, please just ask - email me at cafeRg@gmail.com or leave comment.

:-)