Sunday, February 22, 2009

What is a blog?: Your First Assignment



Hello Class,

So I am sure you are all wondering why we are in the computer lab today? Well, we are about to embark on a cyber journey through political blogs. Each of you will be required to start your own political blog and update it for the remaining part of the semester. Remember, this class is not solely to learn about the different branches of American Government, but to become actively engaged in domestic and foreign politics. One way to get involved in politics is to stay educated about different issues that are important to you. In developing your opinions about politics, you will find yourself becoming more actively engaged in what we learn about in class.



Our first lesson: What is a blog?

"A blog is a personal diary. A daily pulpit. A collaborative space. A political soapbox. A breaking-news outlet. A collection of links. Your own private thoughts. Memos to the world.

Your blog is whatever you want it to be. There are millions of them, in all shapes and sizes, and there are no real rules.

In simple terms, a blog is a web site, where you write stuff on an ongoing basis. New stuff shows up at the top, so your visitors can read what's new. Then they comment on it or link to it or email you. Or not.

Since Blogger was launched in 1999, blogs have reshaped the web, impacted politics, shaken up journalism, and enabled millions of people to have a voice and connect with others.

And we're pretty sure the whole deal is just getting started."

- http://www.blogger.com/tour_start.g


What is a political blog?
(straight from Wikipedia)

A political blog is a common type of blog that comments on politics. In liberal democracies the right to criticize the government without interference is considered an important element of free speech. In other jurisdictions bloggers use the uncensored nature of the internet to bypass state controlled news media but as a result may find themselves persecuted.[1][2]

Political blogs often have a clearly stated political bias. Although mainstream media news is often presented as impartial, bloggers believe that it does in many cases have a hidden political agenda. This assertion is supported by the propaganda model. Stating political bias at the outset is therefore seen as being more honest. On the other hand, blogs are often seen as being too anonymous and lacking in factual reliability to be trustworthy. However, they can serve as a soapbox for opinions not represented in mainstream media.[3]

The increasing popularity of political blogs by independent political commentators has led to their adoption by media companies, politicians and other organisations[4] hoping to be seen to be more accountable to their audiences, but these are often not considered "proper" blogs by the blogging community.

Check out this blogging video: Blogging in Plain English

Your assignment for today:

  • Use Blog Catalog ( click on me)
  • Please spend the rest of the period looking up blogs.
  • You must find ONE example of a regular blog ( such as blogs on entertainment, daily life, gardening?) and ONE example of a political blog.
  • In the comment section please copy and paste the blog you found and write 2- 3 sentences explaining what you may find on this type of blog and why you chose it. Make sure to include your name at the bottom of the post.

6 comments:

  1. http://djtrellshells.blogspot.com/2009/02/performances-bet-rip-runway.html

    This blog was very cool, fun, interesting and exciting. It was about Fashion and I love fashion ! I think u would like it to, it even had me dancing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. http://www.twilightblog.net/

    in this blog, it talks about the twilight series. and readers take time and blog about the their favorite character's in the twilight series

    ReplyDelete
  3. http://www.profitblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/clip-image0122.jpg
    Its about how cars can save money and gas by converting their cars to run on water

    ReplyDelete
  4. http://www.parishiltonblog.org/ i found out thatr Aparis Hilton isnt really pregnant and that she really isnt getting married hooray yay!! im happy it also told me how paris supported obama 100% it also told me how nicole richie is totally mad at her because she moved right next to her and she belives there will be no peace.


    http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/
    michelle obama did voluteer work at a non profit for like people who need help

    ReplyDelete
  5. http://cagaymarriage.blogspot.com/

    this blog talks about gay marriage.

    ReplyDelete
  6. http://images.sub-studio.com/labels/jewelry.html

    You could find unique jewerly in that blog. Its has very creative Designs Of Jewerly!

    http://sayanythingblog.com/

    it talks about everyday politicals!
    obama talkas about health reform in the first blog.

    ReplyDelete