A blog is a type of website or part of a website. It is usually maintained by an individual and may be a commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Most blogs are interactive, that is, they allow visitors to leave comments. The original term "weblog" was shortened by Peter Merholz, who jokingly broke the word weblog into the phrase we blog
The popularity of blogs stems from the fact that they provide commentary or news on a a wide verity of subjects; others function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, Web pages, and other media related to its topic. The ability of readers to leave comments and thus interact is an important part of many blogs. Most blogs are primarily textual, although video blogging and podcasting (audio) have made significant progress. Microblogging is another type of blogging, featuring very short posts. Their popularity is apparent with the rise of twitter.
Today blogs have gained increasing notice and coverage for their role in breaking, shaping, and spinning news stories. The impact of these stories gives greater credibility to blogs as a medium of news dissemination and a forum for public opinion and discussion. Though, on occasions, seen as biased talk, bloggers have been instrumental in bringing key information to public light, with mainstream media having to follow their lead. Also, as an increasing number of experts have turned to blogging, thereby making blogs a source of in-depth analysis. Today, the role of blogs is increasingly mainstream, as political consultants, news services, and candidates have begun using them as tools for outreach and opinion forming.
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