Blogging

 

Introduction

Blogging is about using simple tools to create and update web content. Using a web browser, bloggers can update a diary-style web page in a structured manner and interact with other bloggers who are doing the same.

This document is designed as an introduction to Bandblog, the RockIT blogging site.

 

Basic Concepts

Blog

 

 

Blogs are made up of a series of short articles (called posts). These posts are presented on screen in reverse chronological order (that is, most recent post first). Every blog writer has their own approach and style and content - there is no one right way to blog. For example some bloggers write about current affairs; others might review films they have seen or books they have read; others might indulge in creative expression in writing, drawing or photography.

For the RockIT competition we are asking bands to write about their music, practices and developments. A band might chose to upload a MP3 file of their latest rehearsal, show off the artwork they'd use for their first album or preview new lyrics.

 

Profile

 

 

Each blogger on the RockIT site has a profile page that contains basic information about them, their school and band. Some of this information can only be changed by an administrator. This page is a place to tell visitors a bit about the blogger, their interests and background.

 

Post

 

 

Blogs are made up of a series of posts. Each post is usually a short update article.

The default setting for post security is that only registered users of the site are able to read posts. This is considered the best way of finding new readers from within the blog community without allowing uncontrolled public access that could in extreme circumstances put the blogger at risk of exploitation.

Comments

 

 

Readers of a blog can leave their thoughts on a post as comments. Where more than one post is on the screen, the number of comments on a post is shown. Each post can also be viewed on its own page along with all the comments shown.

As part of the RockIT competition bloggers are encouraged to leave constructive comments about what they read or see and give honest opinions without being rude. Looking through other blogs and leaving comments is a good way of starting to get to know new people and to gain exposure to new ideas.

Blogs allow 'screened' comments. Comments are only shown to unregistered users once an administrator has approved them.

Friends

 

 

A blogger can bookmark other blogs as "Friends" to read together on a "Friends Page". This is a special page which brings together a number of blogs with posts ordered by reverse chronological order (newest at the top). Posts from different bloggers appear based on the time of writing rather than who wrote them. A blogger can define friends using a simple drag-and-drop interface.

Adding blogs to a Friends list is the easiest way of keeping up to date with what a number of people are blogging without having to visit a number of individual blogs one after another.

 

Advanced Concepts

Groups

 

 

Bloggers might decide they want to group together other blogs, for example to read in one place all their friends who are bloggers from their own school. Groups allow friends to be subdivided in a flexible way and an individual friend can be in any number of groups.

 

Polls

 

 

Blog posts can include polls. All bloggers can create polls, and encourage visitors to fill them in. You'll list a number of answers that other bloggers can choose to vote on the question you've set. Polls are simple but effective tools to get opinions on new material, current affairs or even find out what people watched on TV.

 

Avatars

 

 

An avatar is a small picture displayed next to posts and comments a blogger makes. A number of different avatars can be stored and chosen from a simple menu. There are no rules about how you decide what picture to attach to any blog or comment you make, but please make sure that pictures you use are not rude or offensive.

Podcasting

 

 

MP3 audio files can be attached to posts and then bloggers have a "Listen" option. This is intended for sharing music performances of a band. Files are uploaded when bloggers make posts and stored on the blogging server.

As part of RockIT bands are encouraged to share their music with others - whether that be finished work, single instrument tracks that will be combined into a final piece, jamming sessions or a cover of the current No.1.

 

Images

 

 

Pictures can be displayed in posts. Pictures are uploaded and stored on the blogging server.

For RockIT a band could put up artwork for their next album cover or publicity shots of the band. Please don't blog images that belong to other people such as those from magazines or anything others might find offensive as a courtesy to the other competitors.

RSS

 

 

Posts can be read through the blogging website or through an external RSS reader. A RSS reader is an application that allows a user to take the content out from a website and read it without all the graphics and navigation from the source site. This can make browsing through large numbers of blogs, or blogs from different sites very easy.

 

FAQ

How do I get a band blog?

 

 

It's easy get a blog to track your progress in the RockIT competition. On the front page click "Get a Blog" then fill in the information carefully on the application page and press Apply. It might take a short time for a moderator to check your application and approve your request, then you'll get an email.

You will normally be allowed to blog for three weeks on a provisional basis. To move to a full account, and avoid having your account suspended, you have to return a permission form signed by your teacher. The consent form is specific to the regional heat you will be competing in so if you don't have one please email info@rockidol.org.uk telling us where in the country you are and we'll get the right one sent back to you as soon as we can.

The file will be sent in as a PDF file and you'll need software like Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print it. This software can be downloaded for free from here.

 

How do I tell people where to see my blog?

 

 

It's easy – everyone's blog has the internet address of:

http://blog.rockidol.org.uk/username

Remember though, depending on who is looking and the security settings you've made they may or may not able to read any of the posts you've added.

 

Can I post audio and video files with my blog?

 

 

Yes. You can include both pictures and music files in your blog using the Add Post page. To add an image click on "Insert/edit image" and then you'll be given the choice of either uploading a picture from your computer or pointing at a picture somewhere else on the internet.

To add a podcast, click the "Browse" button and you can choose an mp3 file from your computer to include as part of your post.

When you have uploaded multimedia files, any pictures will appear alongside the text of your blog and if you've included a podcast then there will be a "Listen" link under your avatar.

 

Is the blog moderated?

 

 

The blog is randomly moderated to check that it is a safe environment for bands to show off and discuss their work. Every registered blogger will need the permission of their school to participate and is expected to behave appropriately.

 

What do I do if I see something on the blog I don't like?

 

 

If you're reading a blog and you see something you think is inappropriate or abusive then you should report it to a moderator. Every post has a "Report Abuse" button with a picture of an exclamation mark on it.

If you press this button you'll be invited to explain what you think is wrong with the post and then you can send it on to a moderator who will investigate.

The moderators will look into all reports they receive. If you feel bullied or threatened then do use this function rather than arguing online.