Many of the advantages and disadvantages of Internet blogging can be
judged by the type of blog being maintained. For example, some of the
things that are advantages for personal blogs may actually be
disadvantages for business related blogs and sites. The quick and easy
way that a blog can be updated is a great advantage to bloggers –
especially personal ones who want to be able to keep a daily log of
events. This ease, however, can lead to unreal expectations for business
blogs – where visitors might expect them to be updated each day, even
if that's not possible.
Another advantage of personal blogs is the ability to vent your
feelings, by simply typing in some text and letting the whole world be
able to read what is going on in your head. This same advantage can be a
disadvantage for a business blog as well. While writing in a blog that
is business related, it can become all too easy to start writing in a
conversational tone, or to express some personal feelings towards your
company that might be misconstrued.
There are definitely some
advantages to running a business blog, however. The easy way your blog
can be updated does mean that you will be able to post new information
quickly – and get it to your customers and clients just as fast. You
will also be able to keep everyone informed of new policies, products
and other important info without having to send out massive emails or
snail mail. You can also drive traffic to your business site from your
blog – by having links on your site as well as others'.
Just as there are advantages to having a business site, there are
disadvantages to having personal sites. One of the biggest is posting
too much personal information. This can come in the form of putting in
particular information (your full name and address, for example) or
“saying” something in one of your posts that you may regret later.
Although you can easily delete posts that you have written, blogs have a
funny way of staying in the memory of search engines – such as Google.
It's important to never post something that you might be afraid will
come back to you.
The advantages and disadvantages of Internet
blogging are numerous, but ultimately it is up to you to decide whether
or not blogging is something you would enjoy or profit from. Blogs are a
great way to communicate and experience the Web – if used correctly.