Three Questions

What makes a good blog? A good blog is easy to access, has real content, is attractive, and doesn't waste the reader's time. When I want to find ideas or information I don't want to have to go through multiple links to do so. The content of the blog should be as advertised--no cutesy titles that may bring in readers only to disappoint them by being misleading. The content also should have some real value and not just take up space or be posted for the sake of posting. An attractive, eye catching layout that can be followed intuitively is also a real plus. Ease of access, value of content, and maneuverability mean that the reader's time is not wasted as he looks for the promised information.

How do blogs enhance existing web sites? Blogs can give a website a more personal touch--the human factor. They can also let the reader respond to the website and interact with other viewers and the poster. Since blogs are so easy to update, they also can serve to keep a website current without totally redesigning the site.

Are blogs an easier way for people to self-publish? Definitely. Text can be copied and pasted into a blog and uploaded in seconds allowing virtually anyone to put their two cents worth on the web for free.