Blogs

What is a Blog?

A Blog is an online journal or diary which allows you to post text, pictures, photographs or even sounds to web page. You can use it to talk about what is going in the world or interests like reading, sport, anything you like! Most blogging sites will require you to create an account with a secure log in name and password. You will then be asked to name your blog and choose a template or design for this.

Some blogging sites are open so anyone surfing the net can use them. Others however ask people to register with them and create a username and password before they can view the blogs or post a response. Some blogging services will also notify others users when you have updated or made a change to your blog. Always check the terms and conditions of the site before you sign up!

Some blogging sites will offer you various options for controlling who can see your blog: If you set your blog to “Public” it can be seen by anybody on the web and it can be found for example via a search engine.

“Private” settings mean that your blog can only be seen by people to whom you allow access, for example only those to whom you give your blog web address. Other private options allow you to limit who can see your blog for instance to certain people on an Instant Messenger Buddy list.

How do I setup a Blog?

Watch this video to see how to set up a blog

What information can I give out in my Blog?

Remember that when you publish a Blog, the information that you give out can be read by many other users. Be aware that any information you put on your blog can be found by anyone on the Internet and can be used against you.

Publishing on a Blog
You are responsible for what you publish on your Blog! This means that you when you publish something on a Blog, you make sure that what you say or post doesn’t hurt or harm anyone else.

•  If you are uploading pictures, photos, music or videos, always check you have the permission of the owner or company first e.g. for CD tracks, films – you can get into trouble!
• Always check whether or not any info you use on your Blog is true before you publish it.
• Respect others – even if you don’t agree with someone, don’t be tempted to make nasty posts.
• If someone posts or says something nasty or horrible on your blog, you can report this to the web site host using the contact details they provide. Some blogging sites give you the option to Delete other people’s comments or you can use the Disallow option to stop people making any further comments.
• Just because you read it online doesn’t mean it’s true! People can make things up for all sorts of reasons e.g. they don’t know the real story, they want to get attention or to hurt somebody else – if you’re not sure check with an adult and look at other independent sources of information.

Blogging Comments
Many blogging sites allow you to post comments on other peoples blogs about what they have written or published. This also means that people can post comments on your blog. While you might enjoy reading these comments, you may from time to time get comments which you do not like. Here are some common problems and what you can do about them:

Comment Spam
Sometimes people will post comments on your blog with links to a particular website as a way of advertising it. Comment Spam can be really annoying for bloggers and can link your blog to sites that you do not like or do not want to see.

Blog Bullying and Nasty Comments
People can sometimes use your blog to make nasty comments about what you have published or because like school bullies they want to make other people feel bad about themselves or to get a reaction from other people.

Comment Moderation
Talk to your mum or dad about finding a blogging service which offers “comment moderation” for users. This means that when someone puts a comment which they want to put on your blog, it is not added or uploaded immediately and you get the opportunity to read the comment and decide whether or not it should be published on your blog.

Checklist

• Be aware that any information you give out (e.g. your real name, address, phone number or other personal details) can be accessed by anyone online and could allow them to contact you outside of the Internet.
• Do not send images of yourself, family or friends or places you/they frequent.
• Do not open files that are sent via blog sites without using an anti virus program to check it first
• Report blog abusers (nasty people) – kids can report this to their parents or teachers.