The Wake

If keeping a diary seems a little too second grade, and writing in a journal is just too old-fashioned for you, a blog may be the right fit. Blogs, short for Web logs, are essentially online journals that give tech-savvy tell-alls the ability to share their inner thoughts, rants and rages with the world.

Last spring the University of Minnesota got in on the action with the creation of UThink, a system that gives university students, staff and faculty all the necessary tools to create their own blogs, as well as a centralized place to house them.

Shane Nackerud is the mastermind behind UThink. He came up with the idea a little over a year ago after the University Libraries conducted focus groups with undergrads asking for their input into how the libraries could better serve students. Nackerud realized how appreciative the students were to be heard, and he wanted to give all students a place to share their thoughts and opinions on a regular basis.

With more than 700 bloggers and upward of 8,000 total entries covering hundreds of topics, UThink is the largest academic blogging site in North America. Nackerud says he often gets calls from schools around the country that want to create a system similar to the “U’s.” Many colleges already have blogging sites, but the “U’s” is one of the only that is connected to the school’s main authentication system.

To start a blog at the “U,” all you need is your Internet ID (x.500 username) and password. Simply follow the instructions and you’re ready to blog in no time. Nackerud says it’s similar to having your own Web site, but it’s much easier because you don’t have to know any computer programming; just log in, type your opinions, share your thoughts, or post pictures and with the click of a mouse the software takes care of the rest.

Although still relatively unknown, blogging is quickly becoming a way of life for many. The Pew Internet & American Life Project reported that 2 million Americans have their own blog. Although blogs are utilized by people of all ages, the report found that the average age of a blogger is 25.

Many of the most popular bloggers are journalists or professional writers. Keeping an online journal lets them report on current, and often controversial events without having to remain neutral. Readership of blogs has skyrocketed in the past few years, and the content usually goes far beyond simple journal postings. There have even been cases of news stories turning up on blogs before they were revealed through traditional news outlets.

Wonkette is one of the most famous bloggers, with daily posts and more than 40,000 visits each day. The site’s creator, Ana Marie Cox, considers wonkette.com a “web magazine” of which she is the editor. A 12-person team keeps up the site and running and advertising revenues pay their salaries.

However, most blogs don’t ever reach the readership level of the few most popular ones, though they all start out small. Nackerud wants people to realize that it usually takes a long time to build a solid audience. “Just because you write something does not mean someone will read it. It’s taken me a good year to build my readership. When I started, my neighbor, my best friend and my mom read my blog,” he says.

The blogs on UThink encompass a diverse range of topics. Although many are full of personal journal-style entries, there are others that are used as community and learning tools. In addition to promoting personal expression, UThink was set up with the purpose of facilitating academics. It can be a way for classes and study groups to keep in contact and Nackerud recommends setting up a blog to organize and keep track of information while writing a report, thesis or dissertation.

The largest of the UThink blogs, with over 500 entries, is completely devoted to issues involving public health and is aimed at students studying the subject. People are able to post relevant articles and information on the blog, which can be accessed by anyone.

People read blogs and write in them for many reasons. Some do it to get news and information, some like gossip or humor, others for politics or a sense of community. Nackerud thinks it may boil down to a bit of exhibitionism or voyeurism that’s in us all. “Blogs are raw, unfettered and written by people like you and me,” he says, “Sometimes what you write or read is total crap, but sometimes it’s well written and maybe even inspired. I suppose that’s what makes it fun—you never know what you’ll get.”