Comments not blogs
I have been an avid reader of the timesofmalta.com version for some time and took a liking to reading the comments left by other readers and even contributing myself. One thing that annoys me though is that many keep referring to such comments as "blogs". Readers should be made aware that commenting to a newspaper online article has nothing to do with blogging or blogs.
A blog is short for "weblog" and is a form of online diary or journal. Blogs usually give the reader the opportunity to comment but that does not make the one who comments a blogger as well.
For one to be a blogger one needs to start a personal blog.
Blogging features prominently in what is being termed Web Version 2 and it is usually a service offered for free.
For those who are really interested in starting a blog I suggest visiting www.blogger.com or http://wordpress.com (there are others but these two are the best according to me). For a better definition of blogs and blogging readers might be interested in visiting: http://acoustika.info/blogspres/Blogs.swfx.htm.
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John Matthews
Apr 15th 2009, 16:33
HEY ERIN. LIKE YOUR STYLE
Franco Farrugia
Apr 14th 2009, 22:09
@Mr John Matthews: It's rather simple. A blog is made up of a main text or message and then is open to comments. So, you can say that a blog is made up of comments.
Joseph Micallef
Apr 14th 2009, 19:26
Joe Xuereb you can write me on [email protected] and I will guide you.
John Matthews - you are not an idiot. It does not mean that when someone corrects you then you become an idiot come on! Now - this is the difference: a blog is something you own - where you write daily or regular posts of your own about your life etc. Its like a diary. You cannot call the Times of Malta your diary no? You just comment on what others say - that's just commenting. When you have a blog you are the one putting in the main articles (its like you own the newspaper) and others - if you allow them - may comment on what you say. I hope this explains the difference. If you want you can have a look to the left of the screen and you will see examples of blogs from Ira Losco, Fr.Joe Borg etc.
Erin Ciantar
Apr 14th 2009, 19:23
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE TIMES OF MALTA FOR GIVING US THE CHANCE TO BLOG ON THEIR SITE. I THINK THAT THIS SERVICE HAS MADE READING THE ARTICLES MUCH MORE INTERESTING AND I ENJOY READING DIFFERENT OPINIONS AND BLOGS EVEN THOUGH I DON'T AGREE WITH ALL OF THEM. I HAVE BEEN A BLOGGER ON THIS SITE FOR A WHILE NOW AND WILL REMAIN ONE FOR THE FORSEEABLE FUTURE.
Joe Xuereb
Apr 14th 2009, 18:06
Thanks Joe. I think I knew the difference. I am a heavy commentator on these pages but have often read other people's blogs. I never thought of starting one myself though. I am rather shy you see, nibza minn delli as we say. Thanks for the explanation and making it sound easy to start a blog. I might give it a go after all. Might help me overcome my reluctance to look people in the eye so to speak and speak my mind. Thanks man!
John Matthews
Apr 14th 2009, 17:14
For us "idiots" that are not computer literate, perhaps you technical people out there can explain when does a comment become a blog or vice versa. As I have NOT (emphasis, not shouting) been taught at school how to use a computer, I think I am doing quite well at the age of 65. When I first went to school we were using an abacus and a slate. Maybe you technicians out there are not conversant with those. The technology is not important (the rights and the wrongs of it). the content is what counts I believe the majority of us out here are not interested in the correct terminology.
J. Baldacchino
Apr 14th 2009, 16:39
Trivial? No way! We thrive in incorrect terminology in this country sometimes. Thanks for pointing out something which has been irking me from day one!
Joseph Micallef
Apr 14th 2009, 15:16
Those of you who tried to link above and got a Page Cannot Be Displayed messge just remove the dot at the end - for some reason the Times reproduced it as part of the address.
Joseph Micallef
Apr 14th 2009, 14:33
K.Pullicino. Actually writing in caps is considered rude in chat especially IRC but not necessarity here. Actually its considered as shouting. But let's not transfer such rules here and let it be more informal as it should be.
Joseph Micallef
Apr 14th 2009, 14:09
@ J. Darmanin. Honestly I was expecting such a thrashing myself. Thank goodness till now I only god thank you notes :)
Joseph Micallef
Apr 14th 2009, 14:08
Its not really trivial at all, especially when I go to schools giving personal development sessions to teachers and when I mention blogs they think I am referring to comments like the one's in www.timesofmalta.com! And this because someone here calls himself a blogger just because he/she posts comments.
K. Pullicino
Apr 14th 2009, 12:35
In addition to Mr. Micallef's letter, it's considered rude to write comments in all-caps something which is beginning to pick up on this website too.
K. Vella
Apr 14th 2009, 12:22
Thank you.
KJ Tabone
Apr 14th 2009, 11:09
THANK YOU!!!
Someone finally said it! I know it looks trivial to most people, but it's something that's been getting on my nerves since the first time I saw such comments.
J. Darmanin
Apr 14th 2009, 10:04
I've seen this happening so many times! Thanks Joseph for clearing this out.
About 2 days ago i felt the urge to post a comment myself to explain the confusion, but I just had to stop myself because i was sure i would have been bashed by someone - this happens very often over here, even just if someone is expressing his personal opinion or point of view.
Please choose the reason of your report below: