Definition: Blogs
Purpose:
A blog (short for weblog) is an online journal that is frequently updated and intended for general public consumption. Blogs consist of a series of entries posted in reverse-chronological order. Some are single-page but others are multi-page.
Suitability checklist:
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Aspect
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Notes
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Management strategies
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Terms of service
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No age restrictions
Content ownership
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Useful, versatile tool for informing clients of upcoming events, library services, etc. Posts can be made attractive with the addition of pictures, links to other sites and video. Widgets on the sidebar(s) can show links, followers and statistical tools.
Content creator owns the intellectual property of the content.
Various blog services (widgets, calendars, etc.) remain the property of the service creator.
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Privacy
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Individuals or businesses can have accounts and there is no real names policy.
Individual blogging services have their own privacy policies.
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Comment moderation
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Blog administrator(s) can choose whether comments are moderated before they are published, or published automatically. Blog administrator(s) can choose whether comments are made anonymously or not. Offensive comments can be deleted after publication.
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Blogs with offensive material can be reported to blog hosting service. It can take time to reinstate your blog if it is reported in error/maliciously.
Spam comments may be a problem.
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Logo and profile
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While there are a variey of prepared themes for use many can be customised in the header, the background and by the use of widgets in the sidebars.
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Useful for branding.
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Shared account or single user?
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The blog administrator(s) can choose to allow single or multiple users
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Different employees can blog use their own log in or a shared log in.
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Statistics / reporting
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Blogs usually have their own internal statistics monitoring tools but there are external
Flagcounter, ClustrMaps
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Can use statistics to show how wide your message is being spread
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Complaints and compliments response procedure
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Blogs usually have their own support services, including a complaints procedure and forum for assistance |
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Accessibility
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Many blogs have the capacity to be used on mobile devices although the look is often different.
Clients can choose to subscribe to the blog via RSS or via email.
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Records management
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Make sure necessary records are kept - NSW State Records provide guidelines
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Time to maintain / frequency of use?
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Regular content is essential. Can be time-consuming, depending on the lenghth and complexity of the posts.
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Council requirements
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References:
Examples:
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