Being Blog Kalog

(Originally published in Filipinas Magazine, November, 2007)

“Do you have a blog?” This is a common question among web-social people nowadays. A decade ago, that question would have been “do you have a website?”

As more people use the Internet or as they grow more comfortable with it, they want to establish their presence or claim a piece of personal real estate on the World Wide Web. This means having either a website, a blog (weblog or personal online journal), or an account on a social networking site like MySpace, Friendster or Facebook. Years ago, people hesitated to announce themselves on the web because of the perception that it was difficult to create a web site, or that strangers, law enforcement agencies or people they don’t want to see might find them on the Internet. As newer, user-friendly web tools come out, users can now operate on a new level of communication, reaching people beyond your geophysical boundaries to hobnob, sell, rant or just simply feed your ego.

Website or blog?
A website is a greater endeavor, because of the various levels of creation you have to deal with.

What is it for? To promote or inform? Who are you (the “about us” link)? What have you done or what can you do for us (the “gallery” or “products/services available” link)? How do we reach you (the “contact” link)?

Back in the ’90s, you had to know programming to develop your website. You had to learn HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) or Java. Chances are you would have left it up to someone who knew how to make one.

Today, there are dozens of tools to create one: programs like Dreamweaver, Front Page, and online web page makers on Internet giants Yahoo! and AOL, tools for the web-rookie and the seasoned web professional.

A blog is more personal and flexible. It is more of a social mechanism while a website is a promotional tool.

When weblogs started as online diaries in 1994, many were intrigued by the technology and/or bewildered as to why anyone would write about themselves and their everyday existence. Like an acquired taste, people eventually jumped on the bandwagon after realizing that one doesn’t necessarily have to write about oneself on one’s blog but can instead use it to cater to their hobbies or interests, and connect with others of similar inclinations.

Tools like Blogger.com and Wordpress have made it easy for people to create and network with other bloggers.

Besides connecting like-minded people, blogging can spur people to action, as seen in recent incidents such as the Malu Fernandez (a Manila-based columnist) and the “Desperate Housewives” controversies where insensitive remarks where made toward Filipinos about their social class and education. Bloggers spread the word faster than the media could print or broadcast it. They were able to voice their opinions strongly and demand quick resolutions.

Photologues
This month’s recommended websites are photo blogs, online journals that meld luscious pictures with everyday musings or tales about off-the-beaten path adventures. Web surfers’ attention spans are small, so these deliciously designed blogs keep people coming back for more.

Ironwulf.net
Ironwulf.net is a travelogue built by photographer, travel writer, graphic artist, web designer, illustrator Ferdinand Decena. Started in 2000, the site was meant to be a portfolio to showcase his best works and as a training ground for his web design. As time went on, he has dedicated more space to his travelogues.

The site itself is visually appealing, designed like an old map leading to hidden treasures around the world. Decena has been around the Philippines, to places such as Zamboanga, Lake Sebu, Bohol and Batanes. He has also been to exotic locations in neighboring Asian countries such as Cambodia and Malaysia.

The layout is interesting, yet I still get lost trying to get around to his other articles. I have to scroll up and down to find the nearest link out of there. Beyond this navigation problem, one always finds a gem to look at in every link.

Decena also has a link to his flickr site for more of his pictures.

How has the feedback [to his blog] been? Decena says, “It’s been very good actually. I’m really glad when people just put in comments and email me personally that I was able to help them somehow on their travel plans or even school projects or papers. Well, of course I’m happy that people actually read my blog. LOL. But to be able to share these places and experiences with readers and for them to find them interesting and inspiring is already a reward for me.”

Rebelpixel.com
Another great photoblog is Rebelpixel.com by engineering-trained web designer Markku Seguerra. His site follows the basic blog design, making it functional and easy to use. His topics are about day-to-day, personal encounters, and social activities. Each entry has an album photo link on the right, which has thumbnails for easy previewing. He has great pictures covering Serye Cafe Filipino, a newly opened coffee shop inside Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City, Philippines. He shares experiences with fellow bloggers such as a radio drama-like podcast called “Ang Buhay ni Boy.” He also includes pictures of his fellow bloggers such as his friends’ coverage of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Basketball Tournament opening.
My only beef is the tiny text in the main page; it may be efficient use of space but it doesn’t work for me.

“Rebelpixel.com was started as my personal site/blog, serving as my outlet for my creative endeavors and just about whatever interests I currently have,” says Seguerra.

“The design was developed from scratch, but the backend runs under WordPress, though heavily customized. It used to be powered by a blogging CMS I wrote a long time ago but I switched to WP so I can focus more on my content.”—Raymond Virata