Anatomy of a Blog
No matter what kind, or what function a blog has, they all share the same elements. In his blog Toronto Mike, the writer (going by the apt pen name Toronto Mike) explores all things he finds fascinating. From sports to celebrity deaths, Toronto mike delivers videos and information with a decidedly Torontonian twist.
While Toronto Mike's blog is unique and insightful, the format of the blog couldn't be clearer. His blog shares several elements that all blogs share:
Title/Header
A header at the top of a blog displays the name if the blog, often in a visual style or with logos. This header is visible on every page of the blog at the very top, thereby identifying the blog to visitors who may come visit a blog post first, without going past the home page. In this example, Toronto Mike has used a simple style to create a branded look, and continued the toronto/canadian motif in obvious fashion.
Most Recent Post
At the top of any blogs home or main page, the most recent post is always displayed. As you scroll down the main page, the second most recent post will be is displayed, followed by the third most recent, and so on, in chronological order. The newest post is always placed at the top, making it easy to find the latest and greatest on the blog. As a new post is put on top, al the older posts shuffle down, staying in chronological order. The number of recent postings on first page depends on the blog, but is often around a dozen. Most blog have an archive where readers can find older postings.
Post Information
Along with each post, most blogs also display information about this post itself. This information has no standard format, or is even mandatory. This information often includes:
- The time and date the blog was published
- The author of the post. This can become important as blogs grow beyond one author
- The number of comments on the post
- A link to the permalink page, usually labeled "Permalink". This can also be labeled 'Post a comment' or 'Entry Permalink" because you can both comment and read the article on the permalink page
- The category of the post. This can be anything from 'Sports' to our example of 'Open Mike'
- Other links such as ‘trackbacks’ 'send to a friend' (formerly popular for sending via email, or many social media options such twitter or the Facebook like button.
Sidebar
The majority of blog are laid out in a column format, with most space given to the blog posts themselves. Other columns, called sidebars, often provide information about the organization/company or the blog itself. Some blogs don't have sidebars and some blogs waver from this general idea. Some blogs even use sidebars as scrolling navigation.
- Date Archives. Almost all blogs are archived by date and/or category as the get published. Many blogs, Such as our own (as of this writing) use the sidebar to provide easy access to the blog archive. The archive list can be broken down by Weeks, Months or Years.
- Category Archives.
When posts are tagged as being in a certain category, the archive can reflect these posts based on this categories or subjects. This allows the reader to quickly find information that is similar to that which they are currently reading, and might interest them further. Clicking the category link displays only posts in that subject area.
- BlogRoll
A blogroll is a list of blogs that the writer(s) think readers may find interesting or informative. By including other blogs that authors find interesting, readers can find new blogs and information. This is how many blogs become popular.
- Author Information
As many blogs are written by one author and are often personal, there is often a biography or short 'About the Author section, where readers can find out more about the author. This information can be on a sidebar, but can also be simply linked to
- RSS feed
A RSS (really simple syndication) feed is a way for readers to subscribe to you blog by using a newsreader (such as Google reader). When a reader subscribes via RSS, they can read the latest information without having to visit your blog to find updates. A small orange icon identifies the RSS feed.
While Toronto Mike's blog is unique and insightful, the format of the blog couldn't be clearer. His blog shares several elements that all blogs share:
 |
| Anatomy of a Blog |
Title/Header
A header at the top of a blog displays the name if the blog, often in a visual style or with logos. This header is visible on every page of the blog at the very top, thereby identifying the blog to visitors who may come visit a blog post first, without going past the home page. In this example, Toronto Mike has used a simple style to create a branded look, and continued the toronto/canadian motif in obvious fashion.
Most Recent Post
At the top of any blogs home or main page, the most recent post is always displayed. As you scroll down the main page, the second most recent post will be is displayed, followed by the third most recent, and so on, in chronological order. The newest post is always placed at the top, making it easy to find the latest and greatest on the blog. As a new post is put on top, al the older posts shuffle down, staying in chronological order. The number of recent postings on first page depends on the blog, but is often around a dozen. Most blog have an archive where readers can find older postings.
Post Information
Along with each post, most blogs also display information about this post itself. This information has no standard format, or is even mandatory. This information often includes:
- The time and date the blog was published
- The author of the post. This can become important as blogs grow beyond one author
- The number of comments on the post
- A link to the permalink page, usually labeled "Permalink". This can also be labeled 'Post a comment' or 'Entry Permalink" because you can both comment and read the article on the permalink page
- The category of the post. This can be anything from 'Sports' to our example of 'Open Mike'
- Other links such as ‘trackbacks’ 'send to a friend' (formerly popular for sending via email, or many social media options such twitter or the Facebook like button.
Sidebar
The majority of blog are laid out in a column format, with most space given to the blog posts themselves. Other columns, called sidebars, often provide information about the organization/company or the blog itself. Some blogs don't have sidebars and some blogs waver from this general idea. Some blogs even use sidebars as scrolling navigation.
- Date Archives. Almost all blogs are archived by date and/or category as the get published. Many blogs, Such as our own (as of this writing) use the sidebar to provide easy access to the blog archive. The archive list can be broken down by Weeks, Months or Years.
 |
| Our Archives are ordered by Date |
- Category Archives.
When posts are tagged as being in a certain category, the archive can reflect these posts based on this categories or subjects. This allows the reader to quickly find information that is similar to that which they are currently reading, and might interest them further. Clicking the category link displays only posts in that subject area.
- BlogRoll
A blogroll is a list of blogs that the writer(s) think readers may find interesting or informative. By including other blogs that authors find interesting, readers can find new blogs and information. This is how many blogs become popular.
 |
| A Simply BlogRoll |
- Author Information
As many blogs are written by one author and are often personal, there is often a biography or short 'About the Author section, where readers can find out more about the author. This information can be on a sidebar, but can also be simply linked to
- RSS feed
A RSS (really simple syndication) feed is a way for readers to subscribe to you blog by using a newsreader (such as Google reader). When a reader subscribes via RSS, they can read the latest information without having to visit your blog to find updates. A small orange icon identifies the RSS feed.
 |
| The RSS Feed Icon |
For more on how to make your blog it's best, follow us on
Twitter @TAOBlogging and on Facebook
About This Is Ions
No comments