b.Classification of blogs & opinion about the most appropriate classification approach.

'The range of blogging extends well beyond politics and journalism, and now factors into almost every aspect of our lives.' (Masters, 2007, p.41). There are many different kinds of blogs over in the internet with different content. However, a blog doesn’t necessarily post only one type content. Thus, this makes the classification of blogs to vary. According to Simons (2008) she categorized blogs into 9 different kinds based on each blog’s context.


1. Pamphleteering Blogs

These blogs are meant to inform and also debate with the public about a certain issues that is considered important to the society usually operated by a group or an individual.  

Catallaxy Files is a blogs which falls into this category.

2. The Digest Blog

These blogs act as a summarizing and guiding tool to information you could access with the usual complementary commenting section. 

An example of such blogs is Fairfax Media 

3. The Advocacy Blogs

Advocacy blogs are similar to pamphlet blogs except that these blogs are usually run by advocacy groups or commercial organization. 

Cross Blog is an example of an advocacy blog.

4. The Popular Mechanics Blog

These blogs are similar to specialized magazines, narrowed down to one specific field and publish tips and hints regarding the subject.

Example of such blog is The Rebel Gardener.  

5. The Exhibition Blog

Such blogs share the creativity process or creativity product by artists or writers to the public.

Example of such blog is Abduzeedo

6. The Gatewatcher Blog

The Gatewatcher blogs serve the same function as pamphlet blogs but mainly run by experts or professionals of a public event to gatewatch the traditional media.

Malaysiakini is an example of gatewatcher blog.

7. The Diary

These blogs publish personal photos, information and news that are personal. However, the information is shared to the public. 

Example of such blog would be Kennysia.

8. The Advertisement

The blog main aim of establishment is to promote a product or goods. Company such as Nuffnang is an example that pays blogger to promote or advertise goods.

9. The News Blog

These blogs are used to cover and break important stories.

Salam Pax is one of the news blog that covers stories in depth.

However, Belardo (2010) have a different saying in blog categorization. She grouped them into 5 different categories.

1. Collaborative Blog

These types of blogs have multiple authors to contribute to the blog publishing revolving a specific theme. 

An example of it would be carolinesmode.com

2. How to/Tutorial Blog

These blogs provide step-by-step information or tips to their readers to learn a specific skill or knowledge. 

Dietblog is an example which provides daily tips of practicing a healthy diet.

3. Travel and Culture Blog

Such blogs share travel experiences about the author’s adventure. 

An example of such blog would be vkeong.com.

4. Fashion and Lifestyle Blog

These blogs provide the latest information on fashion trends and styles. 

TheBlondeSalad is a well-known fashion blog who shares her daily outfit styles and lifestyle as a fashion blogger

5. Personal blog

These type of blogs are the most common ones. The author usually shares personal experience as well as their own interests to the readers. 

Example such as Xiaxue shares her daily life and personal rants in her blog.

Based on the two classification method of blogs by Belardo(2010) and Simons(2008). The method proposed by Simons would be preferred over Belardo’s as I personally think Belardo’s classification method based more entertainment-purpose blogs. Simons on the other hand covers a wider range of blogs and also elaborates in detail of the methods of categorization based on the purpose of the blogs. Thus, Simons's classification method is more reliable.  


Reference list
1. Masters, T 2007, Blogging Quick & Easy: A Planned Approach to Blogging Success, Orion Wellspring Inc, Seatle.
2. Belardo, M 2010, The 5 Types of Blogs | Which One Suits You Best?, viewed 22 Augsut 2011, <http://www.inkrebels.com/insp/the-5-types-of-blogs-which-one-suits-you-best/>
3. Simons, M 2008, Towards a taxonomy of blog, viewed 22 August 2011, <http://www.apo.org.au/commentary/towards-taxonomy-blogs-0>