Wednesday, December 17, 2003
Book Review: The Weblog Handbook
The Weblog Handbook by Rebecca Blood
A few days after I started my blog I was web surfing for new blogs and information. One of the first things I came across was Rebecca Blood's excellent essay weblogs: a history and perspective. This helped me to get a feel for the history of the weblog phenomenon. I was intrigued enough to explore her blog and site Rebecca's Pocket which led me to her book The Weblog Handbook.
Speaking as a weblog neophyte I found the handbook to be informative and clearly written. It helped to more clearly provide a historical context to my new hobby. Breaking down the various categories of weblogs helped to allow me to see where my ideas fit. Also especially helpful was the description of gotchas to avoid. With my extreme technical bent I did not need much from the weblog setup sections, but they are well done and give help for someone with little knowledge of the inner workings of the web to get a weblog up quickly.
Having never kept a diary or journal before I was initially troubled with questions of what my point was and, frankly, who would be interested in what I had to say. The book helped me realize good reasons for going forward and who to write for. By the way, the answer is that I'm interested in what I have to say, but especially after having the discipline and taking the time to write it down.
I certainly don't know what is in store for CasdraBlog in the future, but I believe that I am on the right track and The Weblog Handbook has played an important part in getting me there.
Verdict: Great use of time.
A few days after I started my blog I was web surfing for new blogs and information. One of the first things I came across was Rebecca Blood's excellent essay weblogs: a history and perspective. This helped me to get a feel for the history of the weblog phenomenon. I was intrigued enough to explore her blog and site Rebecca's Pocket which led me to her book The Weblog Handbook.
Speaking as a weblog neophyte I found the handbook to be informative and clearly written. It helped to more clearly provide a historical context to my new hobby. Breaking down the various categories of weblogs helped to allow me to see where my ideas fit. Also especially helpful was the description of gotchas to avoid. With my extreme technical bent I did not need much from the weblog setup sections, but they are well done and give help for someone with little knowledge of the inner workings of the web to get a weblog up quickly.
Having never kept a diary or journal before I was initially troubled with questions of what my point was and, frankly, who would be interested in what I had to say. The book helped me realize good reasons for going forward and who to write for. By the way, the answer is that I'm interested in what I have to say, but especially after having the discipline and taking the time to write it down.
I certainly don't know what is in store for CasdraBlog in the future, but I believe that I am on the right track and The Weblog Handbook has played an important part in getting me there.
Verdict: Great use of time.
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