Are you an avid blogger?

If you have no idea what is blogging, you are not alone. Just when you thought you had the Internet all figured out, a new trend emerges that seems even more important than email and instant messaging.

Blog, which refers to “Web log,” is the current trend among Web users who want to express their opinions, receive feedback, and have a discussion online on a variety of issues with a community of people. Early blogs were most popular among individuals who maintained a sort of public diary. But companies have adapted blogs as a way to keep employees abreast of company business, post articles, provide Web links, and solicit comments. {{more}}

Instead of sending out tons of email, team leaders can post information on the company blog and everyone with special access can read it at the same time and post their comments. Organizations with employees working across the region and even in the same office can benefit from having a blog.

It’s a great way to have a discussion while working on projects that may require multiple people, in different locations and time zones. Of course, blogging can be used as an excellent tool to solicit feedback from customers about current products and services or projects in production.

Blogging is not limited to companies, individuals can get started easily and post anything they feel inspired to let the world know. Your personal blog is public and can be read by anyone who finds it online. However, when blogging at work be aware that there are rules to blogging that must be observed.

1. Company time for company work. As with e-mail, blog at work only if it pertains to business. Don’t update or respond to your personal blog on company time.

2.Use discretion. If you must blog about your company or the people in it, be selective with your word choice, even if you are using your personal blog.

3. It’s on the record. Although the medium tends to be informal, be a professional when leaving comments and include your online signature. The information posted on Web logs is stored and archived, so there is always a record of what was posted and what you wrote.

4. Comments must be relevant. Stay focused and discuss only the current topic.

5. No personal attacks. Resist the urge to make personal attacks on colleagues on the company blog. If you have an problem with someone take the conversation offline.