Class Blog Introduction

The blog for this section of MIS 441 is for tech briefings, discussing cases, articles we read in class, etc.  To allow you to post on this blog (versus only comment), I will email you a link so you can be an author of the blog.

Historically, blogs were among the first applications to become associated with the transition from static web pages to social media. Blogger was launched in 1999 by Pyra Labs as one of the first free blog websites. Many of today’s blogging conventions were developed, popularized and standardized by Pyra Labs. In 2003, Google bought Blogger and began adding features.

All companies, probably all online newspapers, digital magazines, and online articles all use blogging technology. Getting feedback from readers in a sustained conversation without limiting the amount of text and comments is one of the basic ways we read online. 

The widespread use of blogging technology in businesses, including consultants, non-profits, and government, to name a few, use blogs to connect with potential customers, donors, constituents, by promoting their products and services, as well as giving an organization the opportunity to get its message out into the world in the way it desires.

Read Fresh and Thought-Provoking Material: The advantage to reading blogs is that you don't have to limit your reading to current news and blog entries that everyone else is reading. Attempt to find unexpected inspiration and new ways of viewing topics from alternative sources. 

Blogs Don’t Have to be Balanced: Blogs are useful in conveying an opinion. Readers' comments can provide alternative points of view and perhaps build a case for the opposing set of arguments. This is a good way to create a discussion online. If an entry is meant to influence readers, provide them with the best arguments for your opinion. This will convey passion. Balance does not mean provocative, but in its best form solicits new ideas.  Of course, it is also easy to spam blogs with, but good blogs offer good arguments and cogent comments.

Question: Outside of school, do any of you have your own blogs?  If you read blogs, which ones do you like to read?  What topics do you mostly follow (it can be anything)?  Do you mostly "lurk" at what others write, or do you comment as well?