One of the latest high-tech fads has become so popular that a new word has been coined to describe it. The word is "blog". Short for Web log, blogging is writing a personal journal that is publicly accessible on the Web. A good blog is updated daily or at least several times a week. A blog can be written manually and posted to the Web, but it is very common to use an online blogging tool that allows the blogger to type their article and simply press "submit" to post it to the Web. Today's bloggers even use smart cell phones to create and post blog articles.

Blogging is a new kind of journalism. One in which there are no editors or publishers to please and where the personality of the writer can shine through without editing. Blogging is a unique technology that gives everyone the ability to publish their own editorial content without having to be a professional journalist. Blogging provides a unique flow of information that is unhindered by media owners and editors. Typically, blogs contain hyperlinks to other websites and stories adding to their value.

Blogging is a real time, comfortable, conversational type of medium. It is popular because it is inexpensive and easy. With a simple blogging software tool like WordPress, Blogger, or Vox, no technical skills are required.

I find that the best blogs are those where the author is passionate about his subject matter. One example is Cesar Millian's Dog Whisperer blog. It goes along with his popular television show, but has a nice taste of his personal expertise with dogs.

Political blogs can be found in abundance on the Web. Just type the name of the politician and the word "blog" into any search engine and you are sure to find blogs written either by that person or his or her staff.

Corporate blogs are also becoming commonplace. Companies are using blogs to not only get out information, but to show the human side of their business. Because most blogs allows the readers to comment on their content, corporate blogs can be great ways for companies to get feedback from customers and for customers to contact companies with their complaints and compliments.

Be sure to visit a few blogs.  Don't miss my own blog at Sandy Berger Blog. You will find that each blog has a different look and feel, so you will want to visit a good sampling to get an idea of how this new information medium works.

If you are the type of person who writes letters to the editor in your local newspaper, check out the idea of blogging. It may be for you!