Response to Rebecca Blood reading

Weblogs are a fairly new outlet of writing, starting in the late 1990's growing quickly from only 23 existing in 1999 to thousands. Since many people started websites allowing anyone to read other blogs and create their own weblogs, it seemed to be a new fad. It is interesting how the creation of a blog started with only those people computer-savvy enough to create their own website. It is interesting how this phenomena became a form of online community with authors of different blogs referencing eachother, adding links to friends' sites and being able to host ongoing discussions or arguments at length.

Another interesting point that Blood discusses is the difference between different weblog-creation sites. "Blogger" allows the writer complete freedom in regards to formatting and content, writing as in a journal, whereas "Metafilter interface" has a more strictly structured setup with multiple boxes that must be filled. As Blood suggests, I agree with the thought that newcomers to the world of blogging would find the journal-style, open blog more appealing than the filter-style.

It is also interesting that through creating and the upkeep of a weblog, anyone might find new interests or connections in their lives that may not have been so apparent before entering this world. Writing in this environment would probably allow most people to become more comfortable and confident in their writing and/or ideas as Blood suggests. I think that this form of journal-style writing would definitely push writers to become more involved in their surroundings and more connected with others than they would have been if they were writing, instead, in a notebook.

Overall, Blood is very optimistic about the opportunities and benefits that could come from being involved in the weblog community. While they are all unique and expressive, she also brings up the good point that in excess, they may be overwhelming. I think that once you are involved in the blogging community, creating your own blog and learning what others are contributing, then in time you will find your own dent in the community with others who may be writing with similar interests.