Below are some Frequently Asked Questions about Blogs and Blogging:

What is a Blog?

Technically, a blog is nothing more than a series of templated web pages that make it easy for non-technical people to contribute text, graphics, photos, audio and videos to said web pages in chronological order (e.g., by date with most recent at the top).

The term blog is short for “web log” since the early adopters were mostly people creating online journals sharing their personal opinions, comments, thoughts, and reflections - some of which were updated daily, others less frequently.

Today, blogs come in many flavors (e.g., vblog for video blogs, photoblog for pictures, etc) and are used by entrepreneurs, journalists, marketers, podcasters (people streaming audio interviews), companies and people from all walks around the globe.

In addition to being easy to use as an author creating and sharing content, most blogs are also RSS enabled.

RSS stands for Real Simple Syndication and is an exciting technology in that when you subscribe (usually free) to an RSS-enabled Blog, your Blog-Reading Software (akin to your favorite email program and/or web browser) will update you whenever the blog is updated. This way you don’t have to keep checking a site (or blog) to find out if it has been updated since you last visited.

For more information see - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blog and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSS_(file_format)

How Do I Read a Blog?

With your favorite web browser - much like you would read any other html or xhmtl web page. Although, you might need to install some browser plugins to hear certain blog content (e.g., audio clips) and/or watch video clips (e.g., Flash Plugin, Quicktime).

How Can I Contribute to a Blog?

Most blogs allow you to add (post) your comments for free. Some blogs moderate posts, meaning they are held in que until approved by a blog editor or moderator, while other blogs allow anybody to post comments in realtime. Note - moderated blogs help cut down on spam posts.

Many blogs allow you to register (also usually free) and then become an official blog contributor thereby allowing you to post your own articles and content at your convenience.

What is a Blog Roll?

Typically just a list of names with links to favorite blogs.

How Can I Create My Own Blog?

Many sites out there provide a free service to help you create and host your own blog (e.g., Blogger.com, WordPress.com).

There is also free (open source) code that you can download and install on your own web site thus hosting your own blog on your own server.

What Technology is Used for the Saint Joseph Brookfield Blog?

Our blog uses WordPress with the addition of a unique graphic skin and template from GlobalKind.