1. To learn about setting up a website. Despite not knowing how to program, I was able to learn how to run a Content Management System (CMS) with little if any assistance.
2. To establish an internet presence in case anyone wanted to learn more about me. Better they learn through what I publish than to not find anything or content that is not flattering.  I allow people to get a picture of what type of person I am without needing to meet me.
3. To practise expressing my thoughts and opinions. I’ve always got things on my mind so it’s good to write about them. I expect my skills to improve with time.

Another benefit I have noticed from blogging is that it helps against procrastination. By writing a post, I endeavour to get it done and published so that it’s out of the way and sometimes I prepare posts in advance so that my blog remains as active as possible.

I’ve changed the wordpress theme as I felt it needed a new look and feel. The photo on the front of the page is of Valparaiso, my birthplace.

It’s been 8 months since I’ve started using wordpress and my only regret is not having used it earlier. I never thought a web page could be done so nicely without the use of Adobe Dreamweaver. I originally doubted using blogging software to manage a website but it has been so useful.

With wordpress, the software doesn’t get in the way of the blogging. I just have to focus on my writing and wordpress practically takes care of itself.

If you are thinking about starting a blog for personal use or groupwork, then you should try out a free blog from wordpress.com
If you need something more scalable and the ability to customise, then you should register a domain name and pay for web hosting. You then download the wordpress.org software and install it into your database on your website. From then on all you need is your username and password and an internet connection to be able to publish from anywhere in the world.

It’s as easy as writing an email to a friend.

More content coming soon.

I used to think that blogs were only for IT people, writers, poets and loners or perhaps all of the above until one day…

I first registered a domain with web hosting to create a personal webpage using HTML software. Two years went by and I hadn’t done much. My girlfriend suggested that I use my website for a blog so that I could write about my ideas, opinions and get day-to-day stuff off my chest.

My original thoughts were to write about things I had an interest or some expertise in. As the weeks went by I noticed I had more readers than what I had originally planned, I then realised how versatile a blog can be.

While I don’t target specific topics, I will publish the few things I have some authority on for the time being. I know that once I have more experience, I will be able to contribute better articles with a more specific focus.

Everybody has something to offer when it comes to blogs. A lot of my friends who read my blog are more than capable of adding interesting content also. If you have passions, interests, knowledge on a subject, or just have a lot to say – then I encourage you to start a blog and publish your knowledge to the world.

If you are a student I recommend writing about the subjects you are currently studying. This will help the retention of information and connect you with like-minded people around the world. It also helps writing style for those of you who dread writing essays.

I have been ocupied with personal matters lately. Over the next few weeks, more articles will be published relating to travel and cooking topics.

]]> http://rbravo.net/2009/08/05/blogging-topics/why-i-blog/feed/ 0 http://rbravo.net/2009/06/08/blogging-topics/blogging-v-microblogging-v-tumble-blogs/ http://rbravo.net/2009/06/08/blogging-topics/blogging-v-microblogging-v-tumble-blogs/#comments Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:13:21 +0000 Reinaldo http://rbravo.net/?p=288

I’m back on my blog after two weeks of installing and playing with kubuntu linux.

The other night I was convinced that I found a meaning to all this web 2.0 publishing. So here are my thoughts on what you can use each publishing service for.

Blogging: Here is where one could post an article of medium or long length. The emphasis here is placed more on content than design. A blog is where text occupies most of the room unless you intend to have a photo blog. For photographers, services such as deviantart and flickr might be a better place to publish.

Microblogging: This can offer variuos uses. One could use this like an sms service to communicate amongst friends. It can be used for status updates – for when new blogposts have been uploaded, for travellers, or event announcements. I personally use it to post what obstacles or experiences arise during the week and also to drop in a lot of one-sentence opinions.

While I was using these two services I noticed there was a gap of information that did not qualitfy for either service. I would sometimes have something to say that was longer that 2 sentences but too short or insignificant for a blog post. I don’t wish to jam this site with every random thought so I was lucky to stumble upon tumble blogs.

Tumbleblogs (or tumble logs): – A place where you can express yourself with not so many words. Mix it up a bit by posting quotes, links, pictures, audio files, videos, or text. Definitely more laid back and the variety of options makes it more personal as you can capture many interests through these expressions. Someone who views my tumble blog would be able to know what music I like, what videos I enjoy, what objects I like to take photos of, what quotes inspire me and what I have to say when given more than 140 chars.

Summary
To sum it all up, here is my opinion on how to use each service.

Use your blog to post  articles (or long opinion pieces) that may impress or interest colleagues, people in your industry, or enthusiasts on that subject matter. A bit of research before posting is always recommended. Weekly updates are adequate for this medium

Use your micro-blogging account to be updated on people who influence you. Post important updates or links that might interest the people that follow you. Various daily updates are usually the norm when used well.

Use your tumble blog to express the personal things that matter to you the most. Things such as an inspiring quote, a picture of your pet, a video or audio clip of your favourite song, any photos that you think are worth sharing. Frequency of updates for this medium is entirely personal. I post daily to always express something worth reflecting on.

All three services have a niche and a use for today’s bloggers. Here are my other blogs to see how I have used them:
http://identi.ca/rbravo
http://rbravo.tumblr.com