The Blogging Phenomenon 2: Blog Classifications.

Blogging is an internet based media which has become increasingly popular. There are diverse ways to classify it.

Classification can be done based on subject matter such as politics and fashion; the device used includes moblog which use mobile phone; media type (vlog); linklog; sketching or tumble log (microlog) or functions (such as news and advertising). However, it is a difficult task to strictly categorize blogs since the above criteria tend to overlap in most cases.

Caption: Example of Fashion Blogs
Source: http://ap2cboutique.blogspot.com/

Blogger Malaysia classifies blogs based on contents or purpose, such as;

1) Academic,
2) Artistic,
3) Business,
4) Entertainment,
5) Personal and a few others.

Technorati (2009), uses subject matter which is vaguely similar to the above, such as;

1) Technology (gadgets, IT),
2) Business (using vlog),
3) Entertainment,
4) Lifestyle,
5) Travel,
6) Sports, and
7) Politics.

Caslon Analytics blogging, classify blogs broadly into “filter and journal.” Filter gathers and evaluates information mainly from mainstream media which makes information “second hand.” The journal allows “instant update” and is popular among younger bloggers, but depends solely on the author’s interest.

Margaret Simons (2008), classifies blogs according to their functions. In “pamphleteering”, blogger expresses his point of view on certain subjects. Jeff Ooi’s blog on politics is an example.





Caption : Political Blog

Source: http://asiancorrespondent.com/jeff-ooi-blog/

The “Digest blog” collects information from mainstream media on a single topic with very little analysis (academic).

“Advocacy blog” is akin to propaganda or politics where the blogger pushes his point of view. The “Popular Mechanics” Blog describes with “how to do stuff with mechanics” which she describes more on lifestyle and technology, Australian Policy Online (2008).




Caption: Example of Exhibition Blog.

Source: http://new-art.blogspot.com/2006/01/abstract-arts-secret-agents.html


“The Exhibition” blog is where artists, writes and showcase their work. The “Gatewatcher” blog is used to keep a close watch on the mainstream media by experts. The “Diary” is a personal blog but it is being taken over by social network sites such as Facebook.

“Advertisement” blog is used for business and finally, the “News” blog provides “on the spot” news and has an impact on journalists.

References:

Simons 2008, Towards a Taxonomy of Blogs, viewed 10 November 2009, http://www.apo.org.au/commentary/towards-taxonomy-blogs-0

‘Bloggers Malaysia’ n.d., Malaysian Bloggers Directory, viewed 10 November 2009, http://bloggersmalaysia.blogspot.com/

‘The Media Report’ 2008, A Taxonomy of Blogs, viewed 9 November 2009,
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/mediareport/stories/2008/2372882.htm

Arnold 2008, Caslon Analytics blogging, viewed 8 November 2009,
http://www.caslon.com.au/weblogprofile2.htm

‘Technorati’ n.d., Technorati, viewed 8 November 2009,
http://technorati.com/

‘AP2C Boutique’ 2009, T091101-Sherwood Chess, viewed 10 November 2009,
http://ap2cboutique.blogspot.com/

‘New Art’ 2006, Abstract art’s secret agents, viewed 10 November 2009,
http://new-art.blogspot.com/2006/01/abstract-arts-secret-agents.html

Ooi 2009, Screenshots, viewed 10 November 2009,
http://asiancorrespondent.com/jeff-ooi-blog/