The blog (shortened from the original "web log") became one of the first venues for interactivity on the web. Over time, the blog has evolved and grown into a digital tool that can be utilized in many different ways.
Like the original web pages, some blogs are used merely to convey information and offer very little, if any, interactivity with the blog's viewers. Other blogs are used by their authors as social media - blogs being the first social media to really appear on the Internet - and invite quite a bit of comment and interactivity from its viewers. Many blogs lie somewhere between those two points on the spectrum. There are many, many blogs devoted to the study and education of history.
One problem blog readers may come across when studying history is the ability to determine the level of authority of the author. When blogs were first popping up on the Internet, the use of such a tool required at least a basic knowledge of things like HTML and coding. With sites such as WordPress, Blogger/Blogspot, tumblr, and any other blog platforms, it is incredibly easy for any layman with no knowledge of HTML or coding to create a sophisticated and professional-looking blog. I had no trouble creating an account, picking out a theme and layout, and started this blog for my class. I have almost zero working knowledge of how the Internet actually works, yet I can use it very easily thanks to tools like Blogger created by those who do have that skill set.
Fortunately, a quick Google search of "American history blog" led to some reputable sources, such as the Smithsonian Institute's National American History Museum and a site called The Junto, a blog run by early American academics. But what if somebody were to follow the link for 100 Awesome Blogs for History Junkies? It's on the website for online colleges, so it may come across as reputable, but closer inspection shows that some sites recommended are run by hobbyists and not academics. Credentials give an author credibility and authority in any subject. However, sometimes all it takes is writing with an authoritative voice to gain the trust of readers.
It is important when searching for facts to always consider the source. Who is writing? Are they conveying an opinion or facts? What are their sources?
What do you look for in a blog? If the source is credible, do aesthetics and voice matter as much? Or, do the appearance and an air of authority add even more credibility to a source? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
You are off to a great start with your blog. You can also use a blog, especially if you develop a clear tag schematic, to store things that you come across, syllabi, links, documents, and finally, believe me, appearance matters greatly with anything on the web.
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