Available at http://planet.uwc.ac.za/nisl

Web LogsRichard Knight

BCB 703:Scientific Methodology

“ Seems like if we really want to save America, we should be home-sitting in our underwear in front of a computer running a Web Log”

What is a Web Log?

First Blogs…

Expressions of the Internet culture Started in 1995 Topic-driven (food, politics, news) Served as on-line diaries Combined text, images & links Hugely influential

Blogs run on Hosting Services BCB703 is hosted on

http://www.blogger.com Part of the Google

Empire Can use Commmercial

or Open Source Blog Software

Why did Blogging take Off?

Great Fire Wall of China

Why is it Important to develop a Weblog?

Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est. ‘Knowledge is Power’ Sir Francis Bacon

“The wall on which the prophets wroteIs cracking at the seams.Upon the instruments if deathThe sunlight brightly gleams.When every man is torn apartWith nightmares and with dreams,Will no one lay the laurel wreathAs silence drowns the screams.Between the iron gates of fate,The seeds of time were sown,And watered by the deeds of thoseWho know and who are known;Knowledge is a deadly friendWhen no one sets the rules.

The fate of all mankind I seeIs in the hands of fools.Confusion will be my epitaph.As I crawl a cracked and broken pathIf we make it we can all sit backand laugh.But I fear tomorrow I'll be crying,Yes I fear tomorrow I'll be crying.”

(Fripp/McDonald/Lake/Giles/Sinfield)

Weblog: An Enabling Technology

4 Millions Weblogs

Before Blogging

Blogging Emerges

Blogging gains influence

The popularity of Blogs

Impact of Blogging

Blogging and Society

The making of a Blog

Types of Blogs

Common Blogging terms

Blog Search Engines

Blog References