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Blogging Explained for Beginners
The word blog is short for web log (weblog). It is used both as a noun and a verb.

According to Merriam-Webster a weblog is "a Web site that contains an online personal journal with reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks provided by the writer."

Q. What is a Blog (aka Web Log / Weblog)?

A. The word blog is short for web log (weblog). It is used both as a noun and a verb.

As a noun, a blog is also known as an online journal or web diary, as well as a content management system or an online publishing platform.

As a verb, 'to blog' means to write on one's weblog.

Essentially, a weblog is a chronologically organized site with the latest entry appearing at the top of the page. It is updated by an individual (or a group of individuals) using these main items in each entry or post:

a) Main Body - where personal commentaries, ideas, and/or stories are typically written in the first person ('I').

b) Date/Time Stamp - to show the day and/or time the entry.

c) Title - to give a general idea or gist of what the entry is all about. However, this is not always used by all bloggers (people who keep blogs).

There are other items incorporated in various blogs depending on what each blogger may want in their own blogs.

Optional items include: calendar, archives, comments, permalinks, blogrolls, RSS and trackback, among others. Some blog authors may opt to make use of add-ons and/or plugins to enhance their sites.

Two suggested online blogging hosts to get you started blogging.

Blogger - http://www.blogger.com/start (free)

TypePad - http://www.typepad.com (paid) free 30 day trial
Typepad has more features

Sources:
Webster's Dictionary - http://www.webster.com
About.com - http://weblogs.about.com

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