What is a Blog?

"Blog" is one of those new words that sounds technical and scary, but it's really just another name for something you already know; "diary" or "journal". The term blog is short for weblog — which simply means a log (like a ship's log, which is just a journal the captain writes in), except it's on the web instead of on paper.

So what do you use a blog for? The same thing you might use a journal for — writing your thoughts on the latest news and events, writing poetry, short stories, advice... whatever is on your mind. This is just like a blank piece of paper in a notebook, an unstructured place where you can write whatever you want, whenever you want. And password controls are like being able to decide if you want to leave your journal on the table for anyone to read or if you want to lock it away in a safe.

How Complicated is a Blog?

Web Blogs, just like paper journals, are easy. There is a blank entry box, just like a blank piece of paper, where you write whatever you want. You can then use spellcheck to correct any typos. And then you choose to save it either as an open (public) entry or as a private password protected entry. And you can even add photos, video or anything else to enhance what you write in your journal entry/blog.

There is, of course, a lot of software and engineering behind the blog in order to make it work. Just as there are a lot of steps in the manufacturing process for paper and binding of traditional paper journals. But just as you don't need to be knowledgeable about pulp processing in order to use a paper journal, we make it so easy that you don't need to know anything about software programming to write your blog. There is no software to download or install; simply open your browser and type. Everything happens on the web servers at Web Biographies, and everything is stored there as well. So it really is easy to write and use a journal on the web!

Is Web Biographies a Blog?

Yes, in part. When you sign-up for your journaling website you'll notice that the first chapter tab says "My Blog". Unlike the other chapters which are referenced especially for specific parts of your life story — such as "Education, "Family", and "Travel", the "My Blog" area is for your unstructured journaling. Whatever is on your mind, this is the place for it!

Why do we include a blog along with the family tree in your personal website? Because your daily thoughts reveal a lot about who you are, and your friends, family and descendents would love to read them. And it's a great place for you to express your views on things which otherwise don't quite fit in a specific biography chapter.

Just another benefit of the Web Biographies service!