Features

What is blogging?

Mention blogging, and you're likely to be met with a bunch of confused faces.

Nordijus blog

Look past the jargon and blogging is actually quite a simple idea. You might want to think of a weblog (blog for short), as a personal webpage, but in the form of an online journal or diary. While many bloggers write about their lives, others cover topics like food, politics and even local news.

A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic. Most blogs are contain mostly text although many focus on photographs, videos or audio.

A Fellwalker in East Anglia

"If you have something to say, or a hobby you want to write about because you're mad about it, blogging is a great outlet. You have to have stamina though to carry on long term. Some bloggers feel they get to the end of what they had to say, and they draw their blog to a close. But there are those that carry on going with great stuff every time," says Ruby, a dedicated blogger. 

Who are bloggers?

Contrary to popular belief, bloggers are not monsters with webbed feet. They're actually regular people with a story to share, or an interest to pursue. Setting up a blog is fairly easy, all you need to do is find a publishing tool. There are many of these all over the Internet, and they offer excellent advice on how to get started and what topics you might like to cover.

Life in an English Town

Ruby in Bury, writes about her experiences in her local town. "I'd seen other blogs on the Internet and thought it looked like something fun to do," she said. "Also, I really wanted to write about life in Bury as we've been in a dilemma as to whether to stay here or move back to the North for quite a while now. We may still leave, but writing this blog has made me even more attached to Bury now."

The best thing about blogging is that anyone can do it. You don't need a background in writing or photography and you have full control over the finished product. "I've always aspired to write professionally but never really got on with it," says Ruby. "I've published a few fillers on a freelance basis and had an article published last year."

Living in Bury St Edmunds

"Many of my blog entries are personal journal style pieces, and are my own response to day to day life. I've also featured people and places I've been inspired by. And other bloggers sometimes give me ideas for posts."

Why write a blog?

A blog is an excellent way to get your written work online, everything you write appears instantly and you can build the site to look how you want it to. If you're a freelance journalist or photographer it's a brilliant way to get your porfolio online. But more importantly, it's just really good fun.

"I think one of the best things is when people email you to say they enjoyed a post, or they identify with something you have written about," says Ruby."

http://nar8or.blogspot.com/

How can I find Suffolk bloggers?

Explore the links to the right of the page and you'll find different types of blogs written by local people.

Below is a brief description of each of them..

Nordljus Food:
The amazing photography here might make you think that this is a commercial site, but it isn't. It's a blog, written by a Bury based lady who loves making good food and taking beautiful photographs.

Running in Suffolk:
If you're interested in running in the local area then this is the blog for you. Updated several times a week, the blogger is a member of the Bury Pacers. But it doesn't stop at that, he also provides information about Suffolk's history, and more recently, his family history.

Totally Random:
Written by a Suffolk man, this is an excellent example of a quirky journal blog. The writing covers all sorts of things that have happened in day to day life, including exciting travelling stories.

Life in an English Town: Written by a Suffolk lady, this blog covers everything to do with living in Bury St Edmunds.

The Felixstowe Scribblers: A online writing community in Suffolk, you can read up on local creative talent, join the forum or find out more about their meetings.

Running in Suffolk blog

Interred Blog: Based in Bury St Edmunds, this blogger writes regularly about his life in and around Bury St Edmunds.

Accounts of a Church Photographer: James Fielding is Suffolk based photographer for the Digital Atlas of England. The early entries in his blog, if you look at the archive, are all about Suffolk churches.

A Fellwalker in East Anglia: Alex Roddie keeps a regular weblog about walking. He also has a back catalogue of beautiful photographs. It's an excellent resource for hikers in Suffolk.

Now go off and explore!

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